Research Interests

Cultural identity in complex societies

Household and community archaeology

Gender and engendered archaeology

Ethnohistorical and historical archaeologies

Ceramic style and function

Mesoamerica and Lower Central America

Current research employs archaeological, ethnohistorical, and art historical perspectives to interpret the cultural processes involved in ethnic change during the Bagaces and Sapoa periods in Pacific Nicaragua, when historical accounts claim close affiliation with Mesoamerican groups from central Mexico. This research supplements continuing investigations into cultural identity in Postclassic Cholula and Oaxaca. A third research theme involves the archaeological interpretation of gender relations in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica.