Cindy Loeffler

Location of Interview
Collection Name

The Gulf Podcast and Oral History Project

Description

The Gulf is an oral history project and podcast that shares stories about people and nature on the Texas Gulf Coast. For more information, visit the The Gulf's homepage.

Interviewer
Date of Interview
03-27-2022
Transcribers

Alyssa Lucas

Principal Investigator
Audio
Biographical Sketch

Cindy Loeffler is a seasoned hydrologist with a rich background in water resources and environmental conservation. Born in Colorado, she spent her early life moving around different states, including Virginia, Wyoming, Louisiana, and finally Texas, due to her father's work with the U.S. Geological Survey in water resources. Her interest in water and environmental conservation was sparked at a young age, with her family's connection to water resources and her personal experiences playing around water. Her passion was further fueled by her participation in the first Earth Day event near Washington, D.C. when she was about ten years old. This event left a profound impact on her, inspiring her to pursue a career in environmental conservation. Loeffler's professional journey led her to Texas Parks and Wildlife, where she worked on various water issues. Her role involved significant fieldwork, including organizing field crews and conducting data collection in different locations. Despite occasional encounters with gender bias, Loeffler proved her competence and dedication to her work, earning respect and recognition in her field. Throughout her career, Loeffler has been a strong advocate for women in the field of hydrology and environmental conservation. She has mentored many young women from different programs and agencies, contributing significantly to their professional growth.

Scope and Content Note
This interview with Cindy Loeffler, conducted by Jen Brown on March 27, 2022, in San Marcos, Texas, provides an in-depth look into Loeffler's life and career as a hydrologist. The interview begins with Loeffler's early life and the influences that shaped her interest in water resources and environmental conservation. She shares her experiences of moving around different states and her participation in the first Earth Day event, which played a significant role in her career choice. The interview also delves into Loeffler's professional journey, particularly her work with Texas Parks and Wildlife. She discusses the challenges and rewards of her fieldwork, including an instance of gender bias that she encountered early in her career. Despite such challenges, Loeffler emphasizes her commitment to her work and her ability to prove her competence. A significant portion of the interview is dedicated to Loeffler's role as a mentor. She shares her experiences of mentoring young women from different programs and agencies, highlighting her commitment to promoting gender equality in her field. Overall, the interview provides a comprehensive understanding of Loeffler's contributions to hydrology and environmental conservation, as well as her efforts to promote gender equality in her field. It also offers valuable insights into the challenges and complexities of managing water resources, particularly in the context of climate change. The interview is a valuable resource for researchers and students interested in hydrology, environmental conservation, gender equality in STEM fields, and the management of water resources in the face of climate change. It also provides a unique perspective on the experiences and challenges of women in the field of hydrology.


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