David Purkey

David Purkey is Senior Research Fellow within SEI Latin America, based in Bogotá, Colombia.

Previously, David led the Water Group within the SEI’s US Center and the SEI Latin America Center, serving as the center’s first Director.

Much of his research work centers around the development, dissemination and application of SEI’s Water Evaluation and Planning (WEAP) system. His research interests include understanding the potential impacts of and adaptation to climate change in the water sector and aquatic ecosystems, integrated water resources management that focuses on linking the management of surface water and groundwater to meet a broad spectrum of objectives, and equitable management of transboundary water resources.

Currently, David’s research focuses on developing analytical tools that will allow for full consideration of the potential impacts of lithium production in endorreic watersheds in the Andean Altiplano on the water resources and aquatic ecosystems of these singular and sensitive hydrologic systems. He is also leading the new One SEI Program on Mining and Minerals which seeks to develop research to allow for a more responsible implementation of the ongoing global energy transition.

David received his Ph.D. in hydrology from the University of California, Davis in 1998 and holds a B.A. in Geology from Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota.