Matthew Peeples

Matthew Peeples is an Associate Professor in the School of Human Evolution and Social Change at Arizona State University (ASU) and Director of the Center for Archaeology and Society. He has been at ASU since 2015, previously serving as a Preservation Archaeologist at Archaeology Southwest (2012–2015) and a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Arizona (2011–2012). His research focuses on integrating archaeological data with social science methods to study human social networks, identity, and long-term societal dynamics in the U.S. Southwest, particularly the Zuni/Cibola region.

Peeples holds a Ph.D. (2011), M.A. (2006), and B.A. (2003) in Anthropology from Arizona State University and the University of Texas-Austin. His work emphasizes quantitative methods, including network science, ceramic characterization (NAA, XRF), and computational modeling. Key projects include the cyberSW database and the Southwest Social Networks Project.

His research interests span pre-contact archaeology, social networks, material culture, and archaeological methodological advancements. He has received grants from the National Science Foundation and leads collaborative initiatives like the cyberSW platform. Awards include the 2017 Arizona Archaeological and Historical Society Book Subvention Award and the 2014 Society for American Archaeology Dissertation Award.

Peeples advises students on archaeological method, theory, and public engagement. He teaches courses such as 'Ancient Ruins of the Southwest' and 'Frauds, Myths, and Mysteries.' His lab supports graduate and undergraduate research on collections and field projects in the U.S. Southwest.