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Cyclist on a mountain path overlooking a sunlit valley.

Our Team

People Dedicated to Ethical Stewardship and Cultural Repatriation

High Desert Heritage & Research brings together professionals with experience in archaeology, cultural heritage preservation, public engagement, research, and Tribal collaboration.

Researcher pointing to ancient petroglyphs on a desert rock wall.

Elizabeth Hora

Elizabeth created HDHR in 2025 to continue her career in public service-based archaeology. She believes that collaborating with traditional owners using scientific inquiry creates meaningful archaeological interpretations.

Executive Director and Founder

Our Leadership

Man in a cap outdoors with mountains in the background

Matthew Podolinsky

Matthew Podolinsky (he/him) is the Utah Program Coordinator for the National Forest Foundation (NFF). He collaborates with the five National Forests in Utah on watershed restoration, forest health, and recreation enhancement projects. Prior to his current role, Matthew ...

Board Member

Matthew Podolinsky (he/him) is the Utah Program Coordinator for the National Forest Foundation (NFF). He collaborates with the five National Forests in Utah on watershed restoration, forest health, and recreation enhancement projects. Prior to his current role, Matthew served as the Engagement Specialist with the Utah Cultural Site Stewardship (UCSS) program, where he engaged with volunteers to safeguard cultural and archaeological sites throughout the state. His graduate research focused on developing effective strategies to educate visitors and promote respectful visitor behavior at rock imagery sites. He continues to be fascinated by the intersection of archaeology and outdoor recreation. He is honored to be a part of the High Desert Heritage & Research Board of Directors. You can typically find Matthew outdoors in the mountains or desert hiking with his partner and dog

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Hannah Russell

Board Member

Ancient stone masonry ruins with door and window openings

Join Our Team

High Desert Heritage & Research is a growing nonprofit focused on repatriation, research, and education. We are open to connecting with people who share our mission in archaeology, education, outreach, and nonprofit work.

​We are looking for people to serve on our Board of Directors and to volunteer at events this summer and fall.

Ancient stone ruins with doorways and clear blue sky

Donate Today

Donate to High Desert Heritage and Research to fund collaboration and research that makes repatriation possible.

Choose your one-time donation amount.

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