Illinois names scientists to new state positions
CHMPAIGN — Seven scientists have been appointed to state-scientist positions at the Prairie Research Institute at the University of Illinois.
A news release form the institute says Executive Director William W. Shilts announced the appointments on Tuesday. Four of the positions are new and created by a new state law.
Thomas E. Emerson of the Illinois State Archaeological Survey will be the first state archaeologist, while Brian Anderson from the Illinois Natural History Survey becomes Illinois’ first state biologist.
Illinois’ first state hydrologist will be Misganaw Demissie from the Illinois Water Survey. And the first pollution prevention scientist will be Kishore Rajagopalan from the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center.
State Climatologist Jim Angel, State Geologist E. Donald McKay III and State Entomologist Christopher H. Dietrich will continue in those roles.