Hometown: Glenwood, Illinois
Graduate Institution and Major: University of Illinois at Springfield, MA in Environmental Studies
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, BS in Natural Resources and Environmental Science
Bio: Janel Veile is a native of Glenwood, Illinois. As an undergraduate student at UIUC she participated in the Governor’s Environmental Corps (GEC) internship at IEPA. That experience sparked her interest in public service. She moved to Springfield after graduation and began the MA in Environmental Studies. She also started a contractual position with the Illinois Department of Agriculture as the project coordinator of Watershed Park, an interactive outdoor exhibit on water quality located at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. After graduation Janel began her career at the Illinois Department of Transportation. She currently serves as IDOT’s Air Quality and Noise Specialist. Janel lives in Springfield with her husband, Markus, and their three daughters, Ella, Leah and Abigail.
Relevant Professional Experience:
Illinois Department of Transportation
- Air Quality and Noise Specialist, February 2018-present
- Grants Administrator, June 2017-February 2018
- Biological Surveys Coordinator, June 2011-June 2017
- Natural Resources Survey Coordinator, September 2001-June 2011
- Environmental Resources Information Coordinator, April 2001-September 2002
Illinois Department of Agriculture
- Grants Coordinator, August 1999-April 2001
Research Interests: My research interest lies in highway traffic and construction noise regulation and policy.
Honors and Awards: Good as Gold Heart of Gold Volunteer Award (2018), Illinois Math and Science Academy (Admissions Committee 5-year service award), Junior League of Springfield, IL Sustainer of the Year (2018)
Volunteer Activities: Junior League of Springfield, IL. (Sustainer), Girl Scouts of Central Illinois (former Troop Leader), Blessed Sacrament School (fundraising committee)