Randy Locke is the Chief Scientist for Research and Development at the Illinois State Geological Survey, which is part of the University of Illinois in Champaign, Illinois. He is an Illinois Licensed Professional Geologist and has more than 30 years of applied research, technical review, project management, mentoring, and leadership experience. Between 2011 and 2024, he led the ISGS Geochemistry Section in a range of research and analytical services relevant to Illinois' economic, energy, and environmental issues. Randy has served and chaired numerous technical panels and professional committees at regional, state, national, and international levels.
Current programs include:
Lead-PI on the Illinois Coal Ash Impoundment Assessment, a investigation from 2024-2027 to gather data and develop resources to aid prioritization of impoundments with significant potential to improve the cost, time, or efficacy of pollution mitigation or material beneficiation.
Since 2009, he has coordinated long-term environmental monitoring programs in Decatur, Illinois as part of U.S. Department of Energy funded efforts to determine the best approaches for capturing and storing carbon dioxide that might otherwise contribute to global climate change.
Since 1998, he has co-led a program funded by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to compile and interpret hydrogeological and geochemical information from Illinois nature preserves and other sites with high-quality natural communities so they can be protected and effectively managed by the State of Illinois.
Selected professional activities:
