Cambria Rodriquez is a bioarcheologist currently conducting PhD research focused on Mexica (Aztec) children. Her research uses biomolecular, osteological, and archaeological analysis to reconstruct the lives of children ritually killed. She has participated in fieldwork and worked in museum collections around the world
My name is Cambria Rodriguez, and I am a Mexican-American bioarchaeology currently pursuing my PhD at University College London. My research takes a bioarchaeological approach incorporating dendrochronology and geographic information system (GIS), to investigate climatic and socio-political motivations for the ritual killing of Mexica (Aztec) children. Historically, the study of ancient Mesoamerican civilizations has heavily relied on colonial interpretations which are known to present Western and religious biases. I hope my research will transform the way researchers engage with colonial sources and strive towards utilizing scientific techniques to decolonize the voices of children lost in ancient history.
Archaeology as a discipline has struggled with its identity- is it a social science? Humanities? Science? Archaeology is a bit of everything which is why I fell in love with it. Archaeologists study people who lived in the past through the material remains they leave behind; anything from discarded food to skeletal remains can give great insight into how past humans lived. Because archaeologists’ study such a vast time of history and varied artifacts, many have specialisms. My specialist training is in human osteology, the study of bones, and my area of focus is Mexico, particularly, the Mexica, where ancient ruins lie beneath today’s Mexico City.
It is a wide misconception that all archaeologists do is dig. Archaeology today is transforming quicker than ever thanks to advancements in technology and science. Bioarchaeology (biology and archaeology) is the study of human skeletal remains to understand the lives of individuals and communities that lived in the past. Through bioarchaeological science, and using methods such as genetic and isotopic analysis, human remains can shed insight on health, lifestyle, diet, mortality, and physique of past peoples.
The broad discipline of archaeology allows for many different career pathways. I have held various roles in the field including teaching university courses, field archaeologist, and museum curator. I have been lucky enough to have worked around the world from Los Angeles to Hawaii, and England to Australia doing what I love.
I truly enjoy sharing all the highs and lows of my personal experiences with others to hopefully help guide them on their own journeys. I have faced many struggles that most (if not all) Latinas can relate to: identity crisis, leaving home for opportunities, pressure to be successful, financial security, the list goes on! My career pathway was not traditional or straightforward. I have been a student on and off for over ten years now and I began my academic career studying history and global politics. I have always had an interest in Latin American and Indigenous history. Growing up I found it frustrating that I did not know much about my heritage and struggled with my own identity. Born and raised in California, which has the largest Mexican American population in the United States, the history of my ancestors never made it into the curriculum. Until attending college, I relied on the oral histories of my grandmother to learn more about my heritage. While doing my undergraduate research, I realized Instead of writing about the past as a historian, I wanted to be out in the field, or lab, actively working to piece together the unknown.
I planned to have my PhD by the time I was 30 years old…That’s not happening! It’s okay when things don’t work out the way you plan and it's okay to go at your own pace. Do not compare your journey to others. Good things take time and it is important you enjoy and take advantage of every moment in the process. I have never ever turned down an opportunity for growth which has led me to some interesting jobs in places I only dreamed of going to. Archaeologists are immensely underpaid and underappreciated, but I can’t imagine being in any other profession.
Since I was a child, it was always my goal to become a doctor and like many Latinas, I was the first in my family to attend graduate school. It hasn’t been an easy road. I didn’t know where to start, how to do it, and I definitely didn’t plan to end up on the other side of the globe away from everyone and everything I know. Many people see my accomplishments and assume I am excelling in all aspects of life. It's not uncommon for Latinos to venture away from home to provide for and inspire their families. However, it isn’t discussed enough how extremely emotionally, mentally, and financially difficult it is. I find comfort and strength in knowing I am not alone, and I am grateful I have had the best support from family and friends (and platforms like Latinas in STEM!) through all the trials and triumphs.
Growing up I did not know what a successful female archaeologist looked like and it’s hard to be what you cannot see. Archaeology seemed like a fantasized job that only men with whips and good looks could achieve. I hope that I can become the role model for young aspiring female archaeologists that I wished to see growing up.
After completing my PhD, I intend to publish my research in both English and Spanish languages. I am excited to see how scientific advancements continue to evolve the study of archaeology. I hope in the future I am given the opportunity to conduct more bioarchaeological research on people that are often overlooked in the historical record and work within the heritage sector educating communities about our ancient past.
My name is Cambria Rodriguez, and I am a Mexican-American bioarchaeology currently pursuing my PhD at University College London. My research takes a bioarchaeological approach incorporating dendrochronology and geographic information system (GIS), to investigate climatic and socio-political motivations for the ritual killing of Mexica (Aztec) children. Historically, the study of ancient Mesoamerican civilizations has heavily relied on colonial interpretations which are known to present Western and religious biases. I hope my research will transform the way researchers engage with colonial sources and strive towards utilizing scientific techniques to decolonize the voices of children lost in ancient history.
Archaeology as a discipline has struggled with its identity- is it a social science? Humanities? Science? Archaeology is a bit of everything which is why I fell in love with it. Archaeologists study people who lived in the past through the material remains they leave behind; anything from discarded food to skeletal remains can give great insight into how past humans lived. Because archaeologists’ study such a vast time of history and varied artifacts, many have specialisms. My specialist training is in human osteology, the study of bones, and my area of focus is Mexico, particularly, the Mexica, where ancient ruins lie beneath today’s Mexico City.
It is a wide misconception that all archaeologists do is dig. Archaeology today is transforming quicker than ever thanks to advancements in technology and science. Bioarchaeology (biology and archaeology) is the study of human skeletal remains to understand the lives of individuals and communities that lived in the past. Through bioarchaeological science, and using methods such as genetic and isotopic analysis, human remains can shed insight on health, lifestyle, diet, mortality, and physique of past peoples.
The broad discipline of archaeology allows for many different career pathways. I have held various roles in the field including teaching university courses, field archaeologist, and museum curator. I have been lucky enough to have worked around the world from Los Angeles to Hawaii, and England to Australia doing what I love.
I truly enjoy sharing all the highs and lows of my personal experiences with others to hopefully help guide them on their own journeys. I have faced many struggles that most (if not all) Latinas can relate to: identity crisis, leaving home for opportunities, pressure to be successful, financial security, the list goes on! My career pathway was not traditional or straightforward. I have been a student on and off for over ten years now and I began my academic career studying history and global politics. I have always had an interest in Latin American and Indigenous history. Growing up I found it frustrating that I did not know much about my heritage and struggled with my own identity. Born and raised in California, which has the largest Mexican American population in the United States, the history of my ancestors never made it into the curriculum. Until attending college, I relied on the oral histories of my grandmother to learn more about my heritage. While doing my undergraduate research, I realized Instead of writing about the past as a historian, I wanted to be out in the field, or lab, actively working to piece together the unknown.
I planned to have my PhD by the time I was 30 years old…That’s not happening! It’s okay when things don’t work out the way you plan and it's okay to go at your own pace. Do not compare your journey to others. Good things take time and it is important you enjoy and take advantage of every moment in the process. I have never ever turned down an opportunity for growth which has led me to some interesting jobs in places I only dreamed of going to. Archaeologists are immensely underpaid and underappreciated, but I can’t imagine being in any other profession.
Since I was a child, it was always my goal to become a doctor and like many Latinas, I was the first in my family to attend graduate school. It hasn’t been an easy road. I didn’t know where to start, how to do it, and I definitely didn’t plan to end up on the other side of the globe away from everyone and everything I know. Many people see my accomplishments and assume I am excelling in all aspects of life. It's not uncommon for Latinos to venture away from home to provide for and inspire their families. However, it isn’t discussed enough how extremely emotionally, mentally, and financially difficult it is. I find comfort and strength in knowing I am not alone, and I am grateful I have had the best support from family and friends (and platforms like Latinas in STEM!) through all the trials and triumphs.
Growing up I did not know what a successful female archaeologist looked like and it’s hard to be what you cannot see. Archaeology seemed like a fantasized job that only men with whips and good looks could achieve. I hope that I can become the role model for young aspiring female archaeologists that I wished to see growing up.
After completing my PhD, I intend to publish my research in both English and Spanish languages. I am excited to see how scientific advancements continue to evolve the study of archaeology. I hope in the future I am given the opportunity to conduct more bioarchaeological research on people that are often overlooked in the historical record and work within the heritage sector educating communities about our ancient past.
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