David Vinson

David Vinson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Earth, Environmental and Geographical Sciences at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte). He is affiliated with the College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences (CHESS) and holds an Honors Faculty position until June 2028. His research focuses on environmental geochemistry, water-rock interactions, and groundwater quality, particularly in urbanized and critical zone settings. He advises students in the Hydrogeochemistry Research Group and collaborates with experts in soil science, environmental engineering, and public health.

• Education: Ph.D. (2011) Duke University; M.S. (2002) University of New Mexico; B.S. (2000) University of Alabama.

His research employs isotopic and geochemical tracers to study hydrogeochemical processes in environments such as the Piedmont region, urban watersheds, and coalbed systems. Key interests include trace element mobilization, stream restoration impacts, and the role of microbial activity in methane production. He teaches courses on water resources, groundwater, and environmental geochemistry.

Publications highlight studies on microbial methane, groundwater-surface water interactions, and the isotopic characterization of water sources. His work addresses critical issues like arsenic contamination in groundwater and salinization impacts from oil and gas waste. The Redlair Observatory, a critical zone research site in North Carolina’s Piedmont, is central to his field investigations.

• Labs/Teams: Hydrogeochemistry Research Group, Redlair Observatory.
• Grants/Support: Collaborative grants with institutions like the U.S. Geological Survey and National Science Foundation (implied via research scope).