Jenna Shelton is an Associate Program Coordinator with the USGS National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program in Reston, VA.
Jenna received a B.S. in Environmental Geology from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign in 2011, a M.S. in Hydrology and Water Resources from the University of Arizona in 2013, and a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering Science from Colorado School of Mines in 2016. She joined the USGS as a student in 2011 and has been in her current position since 2021. Her areas of research and expertise are in subsurface hydrology, aqueous geochemistry, microbial methanogenesis, microbial ecology, bioinformatics, CO2 sequestration and enhanced oil recovery, isotope geochemistry, and compositional data analysis.
Professional Experience
- August 2021 to present: Associate Program Coordinator, U.S. GeoFramework Initiative & STATEMAP, National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Reston, VA
- May 2016 to August 2021: Research Hydrologist, USGS Eastern Energy Resources Science Center, Reston, VA
- May 2013 to May 2016: Physical Scientist Technician, USGS Eastern Energy Resources Science Center, Denver, CO
- May 2011 to May 2013: Student Career Experience Program, USGS Eastern Energy Resources Science Center, Tucson, AZ
Education
- Ph.D. Environmental Engineering Science, Colorado School of Mines, 2016
- M.S. Hydrology and Water Resources, University of Arizona, 2013
- B.S. Environmental Geology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, 2011
Science and Products
The U.S. GeoFramework Initiative
The U.S. GeoFramework Initiative (USGI) is constructing a multi-resolution, seamless national 2D and 3D geologic maps and framework models by leveraging previous and existing geologic mapping efforts by both the USGS and State Geological Surveys to provide new regional- to National-scale geologic syntheses and support digital databases for 21st Century geologic mappers and many end users. By...
Great Lakes Geologic Mapping Coalition (GLGMC)
The Great Lakes Geologic Mapping Coalition (GLGMC) advances the understanding of the three-dimensional distribution of the glacial, periglacial, and proglacial deposits that overlie the bedrock of the glaciated Midwest. It recognizes the fact that several continental glaciations of the last million years have profoundly affected the geology and the natural environment of all eight member States...
Big Data and Data Visualization
In the “Big Data and Data Visualization” task of the Oil and Gas Waters Project, we compile and update the USGS National Produced Waters Geochemical Database and use big data approaches to provide stakeholders with effortless access and modern tools for easier use and interpretation of our data.
Controls on Unconventional Oil and Gas Production
This scoping task incorporates insights from new approaches to production of unconventional resources and currently focuses on conducting a pilot assessment of biogenic natural gas resources in the Permian Basin. For the pilot assessment to occur, we are developing a database that will host geochemical parameters known to be suggestive of microbial methanogenesis mined to the reservoir level for...
STATEMAP
The primary objective of the STATEMAP component of the NCGMP is to establish the geologic framework of areas determined to be vital to the economic, social, or scientific welfare of individual States. STATEMAP mapping priorities are established by State Geological Surveys in consultation with a multi-representational State Mapping Advisory Committee. These priorities are based on multiple factors...
Science and Products
- Science
The U.S. GeoFramework Initiative
The U.S. GeoFramework Initiative (USGI) is constructing a multi-resolution, seamless national 2D and 3D geologic maps and framework models by leveraging previous and existing geologic mapping efforts by both the USGS and State Geological Surveys to provide new regional- to National-scale geologic syntheses and support digital databases for 21st Century geologic mappers and many end users. By...Great Lakes Geologic Mapping Coalition (GLGMC)
The Great Lakes Geologic Mapping Coalition (GLGMC) advances the understanding of the three-dimensional distribution of the glacial, periglacial, and proglacial deposits that overlie the bedrock of the glaciated Midwest. It recognizes the fact that several continental glaciations of the last million years have profoundly affected the geology and the natural environment of all eight member States...Big Data and Data Visualization
In the “Big Data and Data Visualization” task of the Oil and Gas Waters Project, we compile and update the USGS National Produced Waters Geochemical Database and use big data approaches to provide stakeholders with effortless access and modern tools for easier use and interpretation of our data.Controls on Unconventional Oil and Gas Production
This scoping task incorporates insights from new approaches to production of unconventional resources and currently focuses on conducting a pilot assessment of biogenic natural gas resources in the Permian Basin. For the pilot assessment to occur, we are developing a database that will host geochemical parameters known to be suggestive of microbial methanogenesis mined to the reservoir level for...STATEMAP
The primary objective of the STATEMAP component of the NCGMP is to establish the geologic framework of areas determined to be vital to the economic, social, or scientific welfare of individual States. STATEMAP mapping priorities are established by State Geological Surveys in consultation with a multi-representational State Mapping Advisory Committee. These priorities are based on multiple factors... - Data
- Publications