Dr. Tracie Mayfield

Biography

Tracie Mayfield is a heritage archaeologist and ethnohistorian at the University of Southern California. Her work focuses on colonialism's archaeological impacts, particularly concerning zooarchaeology and ceramic analysis. As the Principal Investigator of the Old Providence Santa Catalina Island Archaeological Project, she leads efforts to understand the historical dynamics of coastal settlements in the Western Caribbean and South America. Her research investigates relationships among various stakeholders, including Indigenous peoples, African descent labor populations, and colonial powers. Mayfield is also a co-director of the San Pedro Town Ambergris Caye Archaeological Project and emphasizes community-led research in her work. She has held roles such as Faculty at the USC Dornsife College and served on boards including the Southern California Mesoamerican Network. Her extensive background in anthropology/archaeology includes doctoral studies at the University of Arizona and postgraduate work at Illinois State University. Additionally, she provides educational opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, facilitating experimental education in field research environments.

Research Interests

Experience