About the LVA
The Laboratory of Valley Archaeology (LVA) was established in 2023 and consists of three separate spaces maintained by the Department of Anthropology. These spaces include a laboratory dedicated to the processing and analysis of archaeological materials. Two additional spaces serve as storage and curatorial facilities. The LVA is directed by Assistant Professor of Anthropology Dr. Edward González-Tennant.
The LVA provides a physical place for faculty and students to contribute unique archaeological knowledge related to Deep South Texas and Northeastern Mexico. Currently, the LVA houses research collections associated with the historical and prehistoric periods of our region.
Mission Statement
The LVA answers the need for an archaeological research center in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. We support educational, research, and public outreach efforts related to the globally unique heritage of our region. This includes providing students with local opportunities to gain archaeological experience in the form of short- and long-term fieldwork. We are also dedicated to seeking status as a Certified Curatorial Facility in the State of Texas for the purpose of curating collections from our region to provide our students and surrounding communities access to these unique resources.
As a unit in the Department of Anthropology, the LVA centers anthropologically-informed research guided by the interests of students and faculty. We provide students with opportunities to learn skills sought by employers such as private companies as well as state and federal agencies. We aim to build partnerships with governmental agencies, local historical groups, and the public. All LVA participants - in both field and laboratory settings - agree to abide by the ethical standards of the profession as outlined by the Society for Historical Archaeology and Society for American Archaeology.