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Cindy is the former human dimensions lead for the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish & Parks where she held a critical role in high-profile, complex and challenging wildlife, fish and outdoor recreation issues in the state. Cindy directed the department’s public engagement processes, designed and implemented survey research, assisted with strategic and long-range planning, and facilitated the integration of social and biological information in decision-making processes.

Drawing from both biological and social arenas, Cindy uses an integrated and collaborative framework to work with people affected by natural resource and environmental change issues. Her research interests center on how people interact with the natural environment and the exploration of barriers that may lead to gaps between people’s desire to engage in the outdoors and their ability to do so.

Cindy completed a dual-title doctorate in rural sociology and human dimensions of natural resources and the environment at the Pennsylvania State University. She holds a master’s in forest policy, as well as a bachelor’s in forestry resource management from the University of Tennessee. Cindy has extensive experience performing survey analyses using statistical analysis applications including SPSS. She is pursuing data science certification using the R language and environment for statistical computing and graphics online through Harvard University.

Having grown up playing in the Southern Appalachian forests, Cindy enjoys sharing her experiences in backpacking, kayaking, and fly fishing with others — helping them to develop their own skills and confidence to venture into the outdoors. When not at work, Cindy can often be found enjoying the outdoors with her faithful trail companion/adventure dog, Hatch, who never misses a chance to strap on his pack and explore new trails and streams.