Mario Giron-Abrego, a Guatemalan immigrant, was once a sponsored child of charitable organizations that supported his basic needs. His early years observing archaeological investigations at ancient Kaminaljuyú encouraged him to immigrate to the United States to pursue a career in Maya archaeology.

As an undergraduate, Mario participated in archaeological investigations in Belize, presented his research at professional conferences and became proficient in Maya hieroglyphic inscriptions. He is a founding member of the Society for the Advancement of Mesoamerican Studies at CSU Los Angeles and serves as president of the Society for Maya Hieroglyphs. Through these organizations, Mario has been involved in organizing conferences featuring eminent figures in the field, subsequently transforming CSU Los Angeles into a center for information on Mesoamerica.

Mario’s 4.00 graduate GPA and his scholastic achievements earned him the Golden Eagle Award of Excellence in 2011. He plans to pursue his PhD in archaeology, eventually becoming a university professor and engaging students in the field.