Dr. Eckert is an archaeologist specializing in ceramic decorative and technological analysis and the archaeology of the American Southwest.

Her specific research questions examine the relationships between migration, group identity, religious practice, and the transfer of technological knowledge among late prehistoric Pueblo (Anasazi) Indians. To pursue these questions, she relies mostly upon mineralogical and chemical compositional data, as well as decorative data, collected from pottery. She is currently beginning a project focused on the development of glaze-paint technology in prehispanic New Mexico and how social, economic, and religious dynamics articulated with the production and use of glaze-painted vessels. This project is long term, and will rely upon data collected from both field work and museum collections.

She has directed field projects in Arizona and New Mexico, most recently at the 14th century site of Hummingbird Pueblo. She has also been involved in numerous ceramic projects focused on museum collections. Her previous research projects have examined the social dynamics associated with population aggregation, and the impact of European diseases in the Zuni region of New Mexico.

Dr. Eckert teaches courses in Archaeology of the Southwest United States, Archaeology of North America, Quantitative Analysis, and Ceramic Methods.