I am an anthropological archaeologist specializing in the rise of and transformation of urban society, focusing on the ancient Maya of Yucatan, Mexico (900 BCE to 900 CE). My passions for anthropology and archaeology are rooted in recognizing that the ancient world holds many lessons for contemporary society – from urban life to environmental impacts and social responses to epidemics. In my career as an anthropologist, I’ve been fortunate to wear many hats, having overseen academic research in terrestrial and cave site excavations in Yucatan, Mexico, led and served as a linguist for a WWII POW recovery project in partnership with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) in northern Italy, directed a multi-firm multi-year cultural resource management project with SEARCH, Inc in downtown Miami, Florida, and instructed at historic field schools in New England. I always work closely with local stakeholders and deeply value public outreach to connect students and community members. I have authored the results of my research in several journals and edited volumes in English and Spanish. I also use podcasting to promote community engagement and disseminate my research. I am currently working on publications on the implications of obsidian exchange during the Paleo-Indian and Archaic periods (8000 – 2000 BCE) in the Tehuacan Valley of central Mexico. I earned a BA at the University of Central Florida, an MA and PhD from Brandeis University, and was a Neukom Postdoctoral Fellow at Dartmouth College.
Ryan Collins
Visiting Assistant Professor
Education
- BA, University of Central Florida
- MA and PhD, Brandeis University