David Applegate (geologist)

David Applegate is an American scientist who served as the 18th director of the United States Geological Survey from 2022 to 2025. He is also a professor at the University of Utah.

Education

Applegate earned a Bachelor of Science degree in geology from Yale University and a PhD in geology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Career

Applegate is an adjunct full professor at the University of Utah. From 2004 to 2011, he served as senior science advisor for earthquake and geologic hazards at the United States Geological Survey. Since May 2011, he has served as associate director of the USGS for natural hazards.

USGS Nomination

On January 20, 2021, Applegate began serving as acting director of the USGS. On March 8, 2022, President Joe Biden nominated Applegate to serve as director of the agency. Hearings on his nomination were held before the [United States United States Senate|Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources|Senate Energy Committee] on April 28, 2022. The committee favorably reported his nomination to the Senate floor on June 14, 2022. His nomination was confirmed by the Senate by voice vote. He was sworn in by Interior Secretary Deb Haaland on August 15, 2022.
After resigning from the Director position, he became the Chief Scientist of the USGS.