Ashlynn Stillwell

Dr. Ashlynn S. Stillwell is an Associate Professor and the Elaine F. and William J. Hall Excellence Faculty Scholar in Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, within the Grainger College of Engineering. She leads the Stillwell Research Group which focuses on creating sustainable water and energy systems in a policy-relevant context.

Dr. Stillwell's research interests span several critical areas at the intersection of engineering and public policy:

• Energy, water, and carbon policy analysis
• Technoeconomic analysis and life-cycle assessment
• Green stormwater infrastructure
• Electricity and water resources
• Urban/rural water and energy sustainability
• Energy-water nexus

Her extensive publication record demonstrates a strong focus on water-energy systems, with recent work examining virtual water transfers on the electric grid, non-potable water reuse opportunities, and reclaimed water resources policy. Her research combines engineering analysis with policy relevance, addressing critical sustainability challenges related to water scarcity and energy demands in urban and rural communities.

Dr. Stillwell has received numerous scientific awards and honors:

• National Science Foundation CAREER award
• UCOWR Early Career Award for Applied Research
• 2022 Best Policy Oriented Paper Award from the Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management
• Elaine F. and William J. Hall Excellence Faculty Scholar
• 2015 Girl Scouts of Central Illinois Woman of Distinction Award in STEM
• 2018 Rose Award for Teaching Excellence
• 2018 AEESP Award for Outstanding Teaching
• List of Teachers Ranked as Excellent by their Students at Illinois

Dr. Stillwell has advised numerous students who have co-authored publications with her, covering topics from water reuse to energy-water nexus analysis. She has served on various departmental and college committees, including the CEE Curriculum Committee (as Chair since 2019). Beyond her academic work, she has been actively involved in service organizations, previously serving as Chair of the Board of Directors for Girl Scouts of Central Illinois and Faith in Place.

She leads the Stillwell Research Group at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, which operates at the intersection of engineering and public policy, focusing specifically on the energy-water nexus to create sustainable water and energy systems.