Jahn’s Lecturer: Dr. Christopher J. Stohr presenting “Navigating a Career in Environmental and Engineering Geology – Make a Living and a Difference to Heal a Hurting Planet”
RSVP: HERE
Dr. Stohr will explore how geoscientists can build meaningful careers across environmental, engineering, and related fields. He emphasizes the importance of professional licensure, staying current with evolving technologies, and engaging with professional organizations for both technical growth and personal development.
The talk also highlights how activities outside of work—such as volunteering, public service, and humanitarian projects—can enrich careers and provide balance to the demands of professional life.
Dr. Stohr is a retired geoscientist with over 40 years of experience in applied geology, research, and humanitarian work across the Midwestern U.S., Africa, and South America. Dr. Stohr was a Fulbright Senior Specialist at Beni Suef University, Egypt and participated in and led international humanitarian development projects in Malawi, Africa. He is a Professional Geologist and Certified Engineering Geologist in Illinois and Oregon, and sits on the Illinois Board of Licensing for Professional Geologists. Dr. Stohr served as thrice-elected member of the Champaign County Board, and twice appointed to serve on the Mahomet Aquifer Council, sits on the Illinois Professional Geologist licensing board, and is an active member of ASPRS, AEG and GSA.
Dr. Stohr earned his BS in Geology from Saint Joseph’s College in Indiana (with a minor in Philosophy/Theology), and an MS in Engineering Geology from Purdue University, where he specialized in digital image processing of remotely sensed data. His early career included work with the Missouri Geology and Land Survey, where he led investigations for dams, hazardous waste sites, and landfills, and directed an inventory of over 3,600 dams. Dr Stohr also worked as part of a Shannon and Wilson team conducting special fault studies, reconnaissance mapping, trench mapping and paleomagnetic studies for nuclear power plants in central Iran using U.S. NRC procedures.
At the Illinois State Geological Survey, part of the Prairie Research Institute at the University of Illinois, Dr. Stohr led or contributed to research in:
Landslides and trench covers
Groundwater and lake sediment analysis
Downhole geophysics and precision agriculture
Remote sensing and coastal erosion
Laser scanning, photogrammetry, and archeology
Glacial geology and carbon sequestration
His award-winning work on landfill cover drainage using thermal infrared imagery became the focus of his PhD dissertation. Internationally, he has investigated legacy landfills in Egypt, Malawi, and Argentina.
Dr. Stohr is known for his engaging style, real-world insights, and ability to connect with audiences across disciplines. He continues to advocate for professional licensure, technological innovation, and humanitarian engagement in geoscience.