Dr. Keith Schilling brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to the University of Iowa, where he is actively expanding the horizons of Earth and Environmental Sciences. As the State Geologist of Iowa, he holds a crucial position, guiding and advancing geological research that has significant implications across the entire state. His work in this capacity is fundamental to understanding Iowa's unique geological landscape and its vital resources. Beyond his essential role as State Geologist, Dr. Schilling also shares his extensive expertise directly with students as an Adjunct Assistant Professor within the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences. In this teaching role, he is dedicated to mentoring and inspiring the next generation of environmental scientists, instilling in them a passion for discovery and a rigorous approach to tackling complex environmental challenges. His presence at the university bridges the gap between cutting-edge research and practical education, enriching both the academic environment and the future of environmental stewardship in Iowa.
Dr. Schilling's research delves into a fascinating array of critical environmental areas, reflecting his broad and insightful perspective on the natural world. He is particularly focused on the intricate dance between surface and groundwater, exploring how these vital resources interact and influence each other across different landscapes. His work also examines the profound impact of land use and land cover changes, investigating how human activities and natural shifts reshape our environment and its processes. A significant part of his research involves sophisticated watershed modeling, creating detailed simulations to predict and understand how water moves through complex systems. Furthermore, his investigations extend to the crucial dynamics of nutrient fate and transport, tracing how essential elements move through ecosystems, and the processes of sediment erosion and transport, understanding how land is shaped and reshaped by water. He also explores the vital role and complex dynamics of floodplain processes, studying how these areas function and interact with surrounding environments, all with the goal of informing more effective and sustainable management practices for our precious water resources and landscapes.
In addition to his academic and state roles, Dr. Schilling is a dedicated Research Engineer at IIHR—Hydroscience & Engineering, a renowned center for water-related research. Here, he thrives in a collaborative environment, working alongside diverse teams of experts from various disciplines to develop innovative and practical solutions for pressing water-related issues facing society. His contributions at IIHR are particularly impactful in the fields of ecohydrology and biogeochemistry. Ecohydrology, the study of the interactions between ecological and hydrological processes, is a key area where his work provides valuable insights into how water availability and quality influence ecosystems, and vice versa. Similarly, his research in biogeochemistry explores the complex chemical, physical, and biological processes that govern the cycling of matter and energy in natural environments, especially in aquatic systems. Through this interdisciplinary work, Dr. Schilling contributes significantly to our understanding of how natural systems function and how we can manage them more sustainably for the benefit of both people and the environment.
To unravel the complexities of environmental systems, Dr. Schilling employs advanced and rigorous methodologies. A key tool in his research arsenal is time-series analysis, a powerful technique that allows him to meticulously examine environmental data collected over extended periods. By analyzing these temporal patterns and trends, he gains deeper insights into how environmental processes evolve over time, identifying crucial shifts, cycles, and responses to various factors. This sophisticated analytical approach is fundamental to building a comprehensive understanding of dynamic natural systems. Crucially, the impact of his research extends far beyond academic publications. His findings and insights are directly applied to inform policy and decision-making processes at various levels. Whether guiding conservation strategies, shaping resource management plans, or influencing environmental regulations, Dr. Schilling's work provides the essential scientific foundation needed to make informed choices that protect and preserve our natural world for future generations.
Through his multifaceted roles as State Geologist, university professor, and research engineer, and across his diverse research endeavors, Dr. Keith Schilling continues to make profound and lasting contributions to the field of Earth and Environmental Sciences. His work is characterized by a relentless pursuit of scientific excellence and a genuine passion for understanding the intricate workings of the natural world and its complex systems. He is driven by a deep commitment to addressing the pressing environmental challenges of our time, from ensuring sustainable water resources to mitigating the impacts of land use change. Dr. Schilling's dedication not only advances our scientific knowledge but also provides practical, actionable insights that help shape a more sustainable future. His influence is felt in the research he conducts, the students he mentors, and the policies his work helps to inform, making him a vital figure in the ongoing effort to understand and protect our planet.
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The University of Iowa (UI, U of I, UIowa, or simply Iowa) is a public research university in Iowa City, Iowa, United States. Founded in 1847, it is the oldest university in the state. The University of Iowa is organized into 12 colleges offering more than 200 areas of study and seven professional degrees. On an urban 1,880-acre campus on the banks of the Iowa River, the University of Iowa is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities Very high research activity". In fiscal year 2021, research expenditures at Iowa totaled $818 million. The university is best known for its programs in health care, law, and the fine arts, with programs ranking among the top 25 nationally in those areas. The university was the original developer of the Master of Fine Arts degree and it operates the Iowa Writers' Workshop, which has produced 17 of the university's 46 Pulitzer Prize winners. Iowa is a member of the Association of American Universities, the Universities Research Association, and the Big Ten Academic Alliance.
The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, IA, United States, offers a comprehensive and dynamic study of our planet. It emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, integrating fields like geology, geoscience, environmental science, and geography to understand Earth's complex systems. Students benefit from hands-on learning through fieldwork, lab experiments, and computational modeling, supported by excellent facilities including the Iowa Geological Survey and the Carver Environmental Research Station. Faculty are active in research across areas such as climate change, water resources, and paleontology, offering students opportunities to engage in cutting-edge work. The department offers undergraduate BS and BA degrees with various tracks, as well as MS and PhD graduate programs, preparing graduates for diverse careers in environmental science, resource management, and research.
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