Randy Locke

Randy Locke serves as Chief Scientist and Principal Research Scientist in Geochemistry at the Illinois State Geological Survey (University of Illinois). His work focuses on energy-environment intersections through projects like the Illinois Basin-Decatur Project and Mahomet Aquifer studies.

Research Themes:

• Geological carbon sequestration impacts on aquifer systems
• Trace metal mobilization from subsurface formations
• Natural gas storage in aquifer environments
• Environmental consequences of coal combustion residues
• Isotope fractionation in isolated groundwater systems
• Caprock integrity assessment for carbon storage

Publication Trends: Over 15 years, his work spans CO2 sequestration modeling, aquifer contamination risks, and energy infrastructure analysis, with recent emphasis on trace metal behavior and isotope dynamics in subsurface environments.

Technical Leadership: Led Prairie Research Institute response teams for critical environmental assessments, including the 2020 Coal Ash Response Team report and 2018 Mahomet Aquifer natural gas storage guide.