Jenna has been the Director of the Illinois State Water Survey, part of the Prairie Research Institute, since June of 2025. Prior to this appointment, Jenna worked for 14 years at the U.S. Geological Survey. While there, Jenna held many permanent and temporary positions including Physical Scientist Technician with the Eastern Energy Resources Science Center, Research Hydrologist with the Geology, Energy, and Minerals Science Center, Deputy Program Coordinator with the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, and Deputy Regional Director, Southwest Region. Most recently, Jenna led the STATEMAP, EDMAP, Great Lakes Geologic Mapping Coalition, and U.S. GeoFramework Initiative Programs.
Jenna's research interests include using stable isotope tracers to track fluid movement in deep, basinal brines; the microbiology and geochemical parameters driving biogenic crude oil biodegradation; using machine learning to help predict water quality for treatment and reuse purposes; and big data and data analytics.
Her professional experience includes:
Aug 2021 - June 2025: Deputy Program Coordinator, Senior Program Scientist for STATEMAP, EDMAP, and GLGMC, National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, U.S. Geological Survey
Feb 2024 - Sept 2024: Acting Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) Science Advisor, Energy and Minerals Mission Area, U.S. Geological Survey
Oct 2023 - Feb 2024: Acting Deputy Regional Director, Southwest Region, U.S. Geological Survey
May 2016 - August 2021: Research Hydrologist, Geology, Energy, and Minerals Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey
June 2011 - May 2016: Physical Scientist, Eastern Energy Resources Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey
2021 - 2024: Adjunct Faculty, George Mason University