Dr. Cynthia Longmire

As the Social Science Lead with DJ Case, Cindy draws on her biological and social sciences backgrounds to use integrated and collaborative frameworks to work with people affected by natural resource and environmental change issues. While trained primarily as a survey methodologist, Cindy’s work has focused on mixed methodologies – using the most appropriate method – for identifying and integrating people’s concerns and desires into the decision-making process. With 18 years of designing and conducting social science research projects in the conservation field, she has extensive experience in qualitative and quantitative research methodology and analyses. Much of her current work focuses on program monitoring and evaluation and informing agency decision-making processes.

Before her time with DJ Case, Cindy worked as a state agency human dimensions lead, where she held a critical role in high-profile, complex, and challenging wildlife, fish, and outdoor recreation issues in the state. Cindy directed the agency’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. 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 Forestry (policy), as well as a bachelor’s in Forestry Resource Management from the University of Tennessee. She is currently 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 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 dogs, Hatch and Tippet, who never miss a chance to strap on their packs and explore new trails and streams.