Randy Locke is a Principal Research Scientist and Head of the Geochemistry Section at the Illinois State Geological Survey, part of the Prairie Research Institute at the University of Illinois. The Section is engaged in a range of research and analytical services relevant to Illinois' economic, energy, and environmental issues.Since 2009, he has coordinated environmental monitoring at carbon storage demonstration sites (including the Illinois Basin Decatur Project in Decatur, Illinois) as part of regional and national efforts to determine the best approaches for capturing and storing carbon dioxide that might otherwise contribute to global climate change. He is an Illinois Licensed Professional Geologist, a member of the National Ground Water Association since 2003 and a member of the Illinois Groundwater Association since 1995. He served the Illinois Groundwater Association for over 10 years in multiple capacities and was its Executive Committee Chair in 2004. Since 1998, he has co-led a program funded by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to compile and interpret hydrogeological and geochemical information from Illinois nature preserves and other sites with high-quality natural communities so they can be protected and effectively managed by the State of Illinois.