David Gold

Dr. David Gold is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Geography at Utrecht University's Faculty of Geosciences. His research focuses on applying computational tools like multiobjective optimization, AI, and high-performance computing to address global water scarcity challenges. Key projects include modeling drought vulnerability in the Colorado River Basin, developing visual analytics frameworks for climate adaptation, and exploring direct potable water reuse potential. Gold holds a PhD from Cornell University (2022) and received the 2023 Outstanding Dissertation Award from the Universities Council on Water Resources. His work emphasizes equity in water management and collaborative decision-making under uncertainty.

Education:

• PhD in Civil & Environmental Engineering, Cornell University (2022)

Research Interests:
Gold's work bridges computational methods and environmental systems analysis, with specializations in:
- Quantitative modeling of human-water interactions
- Multisectoral climate adaptation pathways
- Equity-centered infrastructure planning
- Drought vulnerability assessment
- Exploratory modeling frameworks

Collaborations:

• Cornell University (Colorado River Basin project)
• Joint Global Change Research Institute (National Geographic Society collaboration)
• Information and Computer Science department (Visual Analytics framework)

Awards:

• 2023 Universities Council on Water Resources Outstanding Dissertation Award

Advising & Grants:

• Recipient of Utrecht University's Pathways to Sustainability Seed Grant (2023)
• Principal Investigator for National Geographic Society World Water Map project

Labs/Teams:

• Member of Pathways to Sustainability (PtS) research group
• Leading the Geographical Hydrology research team at Utrecht