The Illinois State Hydrologist addresses state water-related questions and concerns by providing science-based information from ISWS and the Prairie Research Institute. The State Hydrologist’s work focuses on statewide water resource issues, including floods, droughts, regional and local water supply, and contamination.
How the Hydrologist Serves Illinois
The State Hydrologist helps disseminate scientific information about water resources statewide. The work draws on Water Survey studies and staff expertise to provide clear, reliable answers to Illinois water issues.
State Hydrologist Jenna Shelton
Jenna Shelton, Ph.D., has served as the Illinois State Hydrologist since 2025. She is a hydrobiogeochemist with 14 years of experience at the U.S. Geological Survey.
Shelton has expertise in strategic planning, machine learning, budgeting, the energy–water nexus, workforce development, stakeholder outreach, and international and Tribal Nation relations.
Previous Work and Education
Before joining ISWS, Shelton served on the USGS senior leadership team. She directed three national research initiatives: STATEMAP, EDMAP, and the Great Lakes Geological Mapping Coalition.
She also led outreach, international relations, and tribal relations. Shelton has an M.S. in hydrology and water resources from the University of Arizona and a Ph.D. in environmental engineering science from the Colorado School of Mines.
Contact: jshelto2@illinois.edu