Teaching and sharing

My teaching focuses on helping students understand how archaeology reveals the complexity of past human experiences and the relevance of material culture to contemporary social issues. I have taught Introduction to Archaeology and Archaeological Lab Methods at SUNY Albany, where I emphasize hands-on learning, evidence-based interpretation, and inclusive classroom practices.

In the classroom and the lab, I encourage students to think critically about how archaeological knowledge is produced, whose stories are amplified, and how scientific methods shape our understanding of the past. My approach integrates case studies from Mesoamerica, ethical considerations in archaeological practice, and the importance of community collaboration.

Before joining SUNY Albany, I taught undergraduate courses at the Escuela Nacional de Antropología e Historia (ENAH), including Statistics and History of Mexico III. These experiences strengthened my commitment to accessible instruction, methodological clarity, and supporting students from diverse academic backgrounds. Across all my teaching, I aim to cultivate curiosity, analytical thinking, and respect for the many ways people create, maintain, and transform their worlds.

This image was digitally altered using artificial intelligence to replace the faces of real individuals. These modifications were made to protect the privacy and identity of my students.

Community Collaboration and Public Engagement

A central part of my work is sharing archaeological knowledge with the communities who steward the landscapes I study. Since 2018, I have collaborated closely with residents of Tlatzonco, Huazalingo, Hidalgo, organizing public talks, informal presentations, and community meetings to discuss ongoing findings from the Proyecto Arqueológico Huazalingo (PAHEH).

These gatherings create spaces for dialogue, where archaeological interpretations, local histories, and community memory come together. I present excavation results, ceramic and lithic analyses, and preliminary chronologies in accessible formats, ensuring that research produced in Huazalingo returns first to the people who make the project possible. Community members contribute knowledge about land use, oral histories, and place names, which enrich and refine archaeological interpretation.

My commitment to public outreach also reflects an ethical approach to archaeology: building long-term relationships, fostering local interest in heritage preservation, and supporting community-led initiatives to protect and value their cultural landscapes. Through this collaborative work, archaeology becomes not only a scientific practice but also a shared tool for understanding history, identity, and belonging in Huazalingo.