Iowa has a new state geologist — Keith Schilling of the Iowa Geological Survey. Schilling, who is also a research engineer at IIHR—Hydroscience & Engineering (IIHR), has almost three decades of experience as a geologist working in Iowa. He was appointed associate state geologist in 2016 and has led the Iowa Geological Survey (IGS) for the past year and a half. Schilling also serves as an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Iowa. He officially assumed the duties of state geologist on July 1, 2018, after receiving the appointment from the Iowa Board of Regents.

“The IGS is doing important work that serves Iowans in many ways,” Schilling said. “I’m proud to be selected for this position and to lead a program that has such a long and storied history in the state. It’s an honor and a privilege that I take very seriously.”

Schilling, who holds a master’s degree from Iowa State University and a PhD from the University of Iowa (UI), conducts research in the areas of hydrogeology and nonpoint source pollution.

Since 2014, the Iowa Geological Survey has been a part of IIHR at the UI. The IGS  provides Iowans with expertise in subsurface geology and groundwater resources. The IGS serves agencies, communities, and other stakeholders with surficial and bedrock mapping statewide, maintenance of a repository of geologic samples and data, geologic research projects across the state, and a wide range of outreach and educational activities.