The Prairie Research Institute earlier this year recognized employees who were nominated by colleagues for their outstanding achievements and excellent work. The Employee Recognition Program celebrates effort, achievement, excellence, and PRI’s appreciation.
Laura Keefer is a recipient of the Prairie Research Institute’s 2025 Research Scientist Career Achievement Award, which recognizes the achievements of a PRI scientist whose fundamental discoveries, new theories, or insights have had a significant impact over the course of their career. Keefer’s outstanding career, as described by her nominators:
Keefer retired this year after a nearly four-decade career at the Illinois State Water Survey. She was most recently deputy director from March 2023 until being named interim director in July 2024. She served as Illinois State Hydrologist from June 2018 until her retirement. She guided the survey during a period of internal reorganization and external uncertainty. Throughout her career, she bridged the gap between innovation, long-term research, and practical application.
She began her career in 1986 as a research assistant at ISWS. She was Principal Research Scientist and head of the Watershed Science Section for nine years and managed the ISWS/ISGS Joint Sediment Materials Laboratory. She is a two-time University of Illinois alumna, holding a bachelor’s degree in geology and a master’s degree in geography. She is also a certified Professional Hydrologist.
Keefer’s research has resulted in 49 technical reports, 16 journal articles, and numerous presentations to different audiences. She developed multi-scale geomorphic assessment protocols for evaluating stream channel stability and has conducted watershed monitoring studies of hydrology, sediment, and nutrients. She led the Illinois Benchmark Sediment Monitoring program for many years, establishing it as one of the longest-running sediment monitoring networks in the country. One nominator wrote, “Her work continues to influence water resource management decisions and environmental policy throughout Illinois, creating a legacy that will benefit future generations.”
Three signature achievements have been highlights in her career: the co-developer of the Cache River Basin hydrologic and hydraulic models with the late Mike Demissie, which supported watershed and wetland restoration measures; implementation of long-term monitoring programs that document water quality trends and help evaluate the effectiveness of conservation programs; and the creation of standardized protocols for stream channel stability used in Illinois for restoration planning.
Her nominators wrote, “These achievements demonstrate Laura’s unique ability to advance scientific understanding while addressing practical environmental challenges. Her work has not only contributed to the theoretical foundations of watershed science but has also provided tangible benefits to Illinois communities through improved water resource management and environmental protection.”
Keefer has served on numerous committees, boards, and advisory groups at the local, state, and federal levels, given many public presentations and workshops, provided technical guidance, managed stakeholder consultation, and done educational outreach. During her seven-year tenure as State Hydrologist, she was the official spokesperson on Illinois water resources, where she translated complex data for the public and policymakers. She has also provided leadership in national professional organizations, including the American Institute of Hydrology and the American Water Resources Association.
At ISWS, Keefer built institutional capacity through the development of monitoring programs, laboratory protocols, and technical expertise. She supervised and mentored dozens of staff and included graduate and undergraduate students in research projects, providing training, experience, and career guidance. Her leadership at ISWS was described by her nominators as “tireless,” “advancing the research … and high regard of ISWS and its scientists.”