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Riley Balikian

Profile picture for Riley Balikian

Contact Information

615 East Peabody Drive
M/C 650
Champaign, IL 61820
Assistant Research Scientist, Illinois State Geological Survey
Instructor, Earth Science and Environmental Change

Research Interests

  • (Near Surface) Geophysics
  • Hydrogeology
  • Remote Sensing
  • Risk, Resilience, and Geohazards

Research Description

Education

  • PhD (ABD), Earth Science and Environmental Change: University of Illinois
  • MS, Environmental Science: University of Wisconsin-Madison
  • MS, Urban and Regional Planning: University of Wisconsin-Madison
  • BS, Geophysics: Wheaton College (IL)

Courses Taught

GEOL 451: Environmental Geophysics

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Illinois Experts Profile

Riley uses geophysical, geospatial, and hydrogeologic data to study the shallow subsurface in Illinois. He has been involved with projects partnering with public entities (local governments up to state and federal agencies) and private interests to better understand natural resources in Illinois for conservation and responsible use. 

Riley is responsible for the planning, acquisition, processing, and interpretation of geophysical datasets, and has worked at the statewide and local level to develop hydrogeologic characterization of aquifers for groundwater flow models. These data are used to characterize sites for potential hazards, for planning, and for general scientific research.

Riley has extensive experience using remote sensing data, including multispectral optical imagery, lidar, and synthetic aperture radar. He has also developed geospatial tools for the processing, analysis, and servicing of geoscientific data.