Maria has been affiliated with the Bear Bones Lab since 2012, having graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in Anthropology and Integrative Biology focusing on osteology and zooarchaeology. Her interest in biological anthropology along with her passion for creating safe spaces for discussions on race, ethnicity and society directed her to pursue a Museum Studies MA and MBA dual degree from John F. Kennedy University. Maria believes that museums are not only spaces of experience and learning but can also serve as a healing space to process thoughts and feelings.
Maria's areas of interest include museum studies, historical archaeology, zooarchaeology, osteology and decolonization. She is passionate about making archaeology accessible to the public through interactive activities, exhibits, and partnerships with surrounding communities and organizations. Maria is also committed to working with descendant and marginalized communities to provide a platform for their perspectives and needs to be heard. She firmly believes that museums and academic institutions can no longer be neutral stewards of biological and cultural materials.