Kristen Robinson as the MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement) Program Director for Moorpark College (MC). In this capacity, Kristen manages day-to-day operations, including student services like advising, tutoring, and transfer assistance, for MESA students. She also develops and implements program activities, collaborates with faculty and staff, and builds partnerships to enhance MESA student success.

Prior to MESA, Kristen spent the 8 years serving as MC's Student Activities Specialist, where she advised the Associated Student government, supported MC’s 50+ student clubs and organizations, created and implemented an extracurricular leadership development program, and coordinated the annual Commencement ceremony, among other activities related to the Office of Student Life.

Prior to joining MC, Kristen spent almost 9 years working at the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB)’s Bren School of Environmental Science & Management, where she held positions in career development, alumni relations, and admissions and outreach.

The first in her family to earn a college degree, Kristen attended Ventura College before transferring to UCSB to receive her B.A. in Sociology. She went on to obtain her M.S. in Counseling and Guidance and her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, both from California Lutheran University.

When she’s not working, Kristen enjoys leisurely hikes, visiting different brunch spots in hopes of finding the best huevos rancheros in Ventura County, and checking books off of her Goodreads list.

Since 1993, I have spent 17 field seasons in the jungles of west-central Belize, studying the Classic Maya (AD 250-900).  My archaeological research focuses on a string of 25 cenotes (small, deep lakes) located in the Cara Blanca region of Belize, and how the ancient Maya used these cenotes during water rituals.  My research includes an underwater component, where the cenotes are explored and mapped using diving equipment. 

In addition to working in Belize, I am also the director of the Moorpark College Archaeological Program (MCAP), which teaches archaeology through research at local California archaeological sites.  I have also worked in Guatemala, Mexico, and Germany.  I use my teaching position to enrich my student’s lives through the joy and excitement of archaeology, and I am currently working on expanding my audience through publishing, YouTube, and other media outlets.