Mesoamerican Archaeology and Advice with Mallory Melton

Today we dive into the life and research of the lovely Mallory Melton, UCSB PhD candidate. We discuss her road to anthropology, how she overcame certain barriers with the help and support of many mentors. She has distinguished herself in her academic studies, with a string of publications, workshops, guest lectures, honors, awards for being an outstanding TA, and many conference presentations. Her dissertation research focuses on the Mesoamerican sites of El Ujuxte and La Blanca, investigating questions like: How can we look at these plant remains and examine social diversity across these sites? She also explains how Mesoamerican studies rely heavily on indicators such as social diversity to make an argument for urbanized life and urbanism in Mesoamerica. Were people living in groups, such as economic or ethnic enclaves, and can we see this in through the food? She also explores urban sustainability and food security at these sites. She studies other topics in Peru, Southeastern, MIdwestern, and Northwestern America. We also talk about her adorable and smart dog Gizmo! Follow on instagram for more behind the scenes content @thatanthropodcast Brought to you in collaboration with the American Anthropological Association, check out their podcast library here for more anthro content: https://www.americananthro.org/StayInformed/Content.aspx?ItemNumber=1629 Hot links: https://vanderwarker.anth.ucsb.edu/people/mallory-melton https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mallory_Melton4 Book recommendation: The Life and Death of Ancient Cities: A Natural History by Greg Woolf Article discussed: https://www.jstor.org/stable/482275?seq=1