David Gonzalez | Research UC Berkeley

Research Bio

David González is an assistant professor in the Division of Environmental Health Sciences at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health. Dr. González has interdisciplinary training as an epidemiologist and environmental scientist, which he applies to investigate the environmental and public health impacts of extractive industries and climate-driven disasters. His research centers environmental justice and health disparities, with the aim of informing evidence-based interventions to improve health and address persistent inequities.

Dr. González has recently focused on the health impacts of oil and gas development and wildfire smoke, using population-level data and community-engaged methods. He is the Principal Investigator of the EQUIS Lab.

Research Expertise and Interest

environmental health sciences, community-engaged research / scholarship, community-based research partnerships

In the News

A portrait of David J.X. Gonzalez

For This Environmental Health Researcher, Science Is an ‘Act of Hope’

Berkeley public health professor works to protect communities from environmental harms.

protesters in a crowd with signs reading Science Saves Lives, Don't Silence Science and Fascism Hates Science

Researchers and Students Gather in Sproul Plaza To ‘Stand Up for Science’

Thousands of people gather at UC Berkeley to protest ongoing or threatened cuts to federal research funds, part of a day of action organized by research scientists around the country.

orange flames from a wildfire in California burning at night in the distance, with the silhouette of an oil and gas pumpjack in the foreground.

Wildfires Increasingly Threaten Oil and Gas Drill Sites, Compounding Potential Health Risks, Study Says

"With an issue that we know is going to worsen as climate change progresses, we have an opportunity to take proactive action to prevent future harms," UC Berkeley assistant professor David J.X. González said.

image of 7 headshots of people

50 Years After Being Outlawed, Redlining Still Drives Neighborhood Health Inequities

UC Berkeley School of Public Health's ongoing research shows that redlining persistently fuel racial and socioeconomic inequality.

split image of wave on beach on left and forest fire on right

Deadly Fungi, Toxic Tides, and Wildfire Smoke

From deadly fungi and toxic tides to wildfire smoke, School of Public Health researchers are racing to identify and mitigate the health hazards of climate change.

Teaching

Courses taught during the three most recent semesters

2025 Fall

Directed Group Study [PBHLTH 198 - 050]
Health Issues Seminars [PBHLTH 290 - 003]
Supervised Research: Social Sciences [UGIS 192B - 112]

2025 Spring

Health Issues Seminars [PBHLTH 290 - 004]

For additional information, please consult the UC Berkeley course schedule.