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2025- 2026 Jahns Distinguished LecturerDr. Christopher 'Chris' Stohr
Dr. Christopher ‘Chris’ Stohr (retired, Illinois State Geological Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign), Mahomet Aquifer Council, Illinois Board of Licensing for Professional Geologists, former Champaign County [IL] Board Member, has been selected by AEG and GSA-EEGS as the Richard Jahns Distinguished Lecturer for 2025-2026. This lecture series honors the late Dr. Jahns by promoting student awareness of environmental and engineering geology through annual lectures at academic institutions. The Jahns lecturer additionally typically visits AEG Chapters during the year. Dr Stohr continues professional and community work after more than 40 years of applied geology, research and humanitarian work in the midwestern USA, Africa and South America. Obtaining a BS in Geology at Saint Joseph’s College in Rensselaer IN [minor in Philosophy/Theology] and MS in Engineering Geology at Purdue University developing applications for innovative digital image processing of remotely sensed imagery at the Laboratory for Applications of Remote Sensing Chris began work at the Missouri Geology and Land Survey performing investigations for dams, sewage lagoons, hazardous and nuclear waste sites, dye tracing, dumps and landfills in the Ozarks and throughout that state; directed an inventory of 3,600 dams; and conducted a site selection study for hazardous waste disposal facilities in Missouri. He worked as part of a Shannon and Wilson team conducting special fault studies, reconnaissance mapping, trench mapping and paleomagnetic studies for nuclear power plant in central Iran using U.S. NRC procedures. At the Illinois State Geological Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign [ISGS] he participated in or led research on landslides, trench covers, groundwater, agronomic analysis of lake sediments, downhole geophysics, precision agriculture, remote sensing, coastal erosion, close range photogrammetry and terrestrial and aerial laser scanning, archeology, glacial geology, Height Modernization [geodetic surveying], and geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide. ISGS investigations at the Earthline Industrial Chemical Waste Landfill identified failure mechanisms and the observed difference drainage characteristics of depressions in earthen covers of landfills using post-sunset thermal infrared imagery [ASPRS Autometric Award] which became the focus of a late-career PhD dissertation. Chris has investigated dumps and legacy landfills in Midwestern USA, Egypt, Malawi, and Patagonia, Argentina. Dr Stohr was a Fulbright Senior Specialist at Beni Suef University, Egypt and participated in and led international humanitarian development projects in Malawi, Africa. He is a Professional Geologist and Certified Engineering Geologist in Illinois and Oregon, and sits on the Illinois Board of Licensing for Professional Geologists. Chris served as thrice-elected member of the Champaign County Board, and twice appointed to serve on the Mahomet Aquifer Council, sits on the Illinois Professional Geologist licensing board, and is an active member of ASPRS, AEG and GSA. Dr. Stohr is available for in-person and virtual lectures throughout the year. He is known for his engaging style, real-world insights, and ability to connect with audiences across disciplines. Available presentations:
Learn more about the above presentations Check the AEG calendar for upcoming scheduled presentations Request a presentation:To book a Jahns lecture, contact Dr. Chris Stohr at [email protected]. |