Cindy Lou Skipper

Cindy Lou Skipper
Ph.D.
College of Science
Mansfield, TX

What inspired you to pursue graduate school?
I graduated with my B.S. in Geology and honestly was not ready to leave school and join the workforce. I really enjoy my studies and wanted to continue learning new things while spending more time working alongside my peers.

Why did you choose your current program or area of study?
I love the environment. Geology is a highly multidisciplinary science, and I appreciate that it allows you to engage with nearly every scientific field while still doing impactful geological work. For me, environmental science and geology are the ultimate combination. My studies are fueled by a desire to learn about and pursue methods for improving our natural world in the decades to come.

What motivates you on challenging days in graduate school?
I am motivated by my family and friends. Many of my family members did not have the opportunity to attend graduate school or even college. My grandparents, who were born and raised in Hong Kong, did not finish elementary school. Being able to pursue a graduate education is both a blessing and a privilege, and remembering that keeps me grounded and motivated.

Please provide a brief description of your research or current project.
I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Earth and Environmental Sciences, and my research focuses on using a rock-dating technique called optically stimulated luminescence in alpine glacial environments. These environments contain large amounts of sediment and rock left behind by melting glaciers. By dating when sediment was deposited across multiple locations, we can determine the rate and timing of glacial melt. This enhances our understanding of recent environmental history and helps inform future climate prediction models.

What impact do you hope your research or work will have?
I hope the method I am studying becomes more widely used. Optically stimulated luminescence is not a commonly applied geochronological technique, and it is used even less frequently in glacial environments because researchers often favor more established—but also more expensive—methods. A core component of my work is technique development, with the goal of making this approach more accessible and widely adopted.

What has been your favorite part of your graduate experience so far?
I truly love my research group. My peers and faculty advisor have created a supportive and engaging environment where we can learn together, grow individually, and support one another through both personal challenges and research-related obstacles.

What achievement during grad school are you most proud of?
I recently received my department’s Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award. I did not expect it, as all GTAs are considered each year, but it was incredibly validating to hear that students found my teaching approachable and effective. This recognition has encouraged me to further pursue teaching in my future career.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a graduate student?
I’ve learned that life is truly what you make of it. Meaningful results require consistent effort, and it is important to show people who you truly are—whether those people are your peers, students, or faculty mentors. Being genuine has helped me stay true to myself throughout this journey.

How has your perspective on your field changed since you started your program?
Recent reductions in national funding for geoscience research have made me realize how undervalued the field truly is. Geoscience is not widely taught in schools, misconceptions about the Earth are common, and many people stop engaging with geoscience knowledge in adulthood. I hope to contribute to a broader appreciation and understanding of geoscience in society.

What career path are you hoping to pursue after graduation?
I hope to become a professor of instruction. While I enjoy research, my greatest passion is teaching. I want to help educate and inspire the next generation of geologists by sharing knowledge and encouraging curiosity about the natural world.