Inspired by her dad’s love of archaeology and her own passion for the subject, Mercedes set out to become a professional archaeologist. Along the way, she discovered that you didn’t have to study the subject solely on land. At school, she was fortunate to study underwater archaeology and work on several fascinating projects including excavating a 16th-century Spanish shipwreck in Pensacola.
Now a senior archaeologist, Mercedes draws on her extensive experience with local, state, and federal compliance on projects through the southeastern United States, both in the public and private sectors. Regardless of the project, she’s driven to learn about the local histories, legends, and lore of the communities she works in.
When she isn’t helping preserve the past, you’ll find Mercedes running after her toddler, watching college football in the fall—Go Noles!—and reading as an easy way to travel to lots of different places without going too far from home.
