Holley Moyes

Dr. Holley Moyes is a Professor of Anthropology in the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts at the University of California, Merced. She leads the Las Cuevas Archaeological Reconnaissance (LCAR) and Belize Cave Research Project (BCRP) in the Chiquibul Rainforest Reserve, Belize, focusing on Maya archaeology, cave studies, and environmental dynamics.

• Education: Ph.D. (2006) SUNY Buffalo, MA (2001) Florida Atlantic University, BA (1978) Florida State University

Her research intersects archaeology, environmental science, and religious studies through analysis of Maya ceremonial sites, GIS applications, and climate-culture interactions. Current work examines drought's role in Classic Maya political collapse and cultural heritage preservation in Belize.

Recent publications highlight cave archaeology, Maya ritual practices, and interdisciplinary approaches combining behavioral science with archaeological analysis. Collaborative projects span Belizean rainforest research stations and include international scholars like Barbara Voorhies and Laura Kosakowsky.

Dr. Moyes actively promotes Maya heritage awareness through initiatives like UC Merced's "Year of the Maya" program, integrating archaeological findings with educational programming about Maya creation myths such as The Popol Vuh.