Ryan H. Collins

Ryan H. Collins is an Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Millsaps College, specializing in archaeological anthropology and public outreach. His research focuses on ancient civilizations, particularly Aztec imperialism and sociopolitical collapse, with fieldwork in the US, Italy, Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize. He collaborates with organizations like DPAA, NPS, and the US Space Force. Collins co-founded the This Anthro Life: Podcast (2013–2020), partnered with the American Anthropological Association and Smithsonian Institution.

He holds a Ph.D. in Anthropology from Brandeis University and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Dartmouth College’s Neukom Institute for Computational Science. His work examines how historical collapses of civilizations inform modern societal challenges, published in How Worlds Collapse. His TED Talk, Lessons on Social Difference from an Ancient Maya City, highlights his commitment to public engagement. Active in organizations like the Society for American Archaeology and Heritage Education Network, Collins bridges academic research with community education.