Ithaca College

Archaeologist Thomas Garrison, assistant professor of anthropology, was the keynote speaker at the Tompkins County Area Development (TCAD) annual meeting in Ithaca on April 25.

Garrison spoke to 160 local community members about his fascinating research using LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), a laser-based technology, in the discovery of extensive Maya settlements.

Garrison highlighted some of the major discoveries of his project, and explained how Maya archaeology can shed light on issues concerning us in the present, such as climate change.

Read more about Garrison’s work here: Uncovering the Mysteries of the Maya.

William Guerrero, vice president for finance and administration at Ithaca College, sits on the TCAD Board of Directors, and also participated in the meeting.

IC’s Executive Director for Government and Community Relations, Paula Younger, also attended the annual event. Younger reached out to Garrison last December to introduce him to TCAD and to ask about his availability to deliver the presentation.