Prof. Aldana's research interests are Maya hieroglyphic history, Mesoamerican art, experimental archaeology, science studies, culture theory. His main publications include: Tying Headbands or Venus Appearing: New translations of k'al, the Dresden Codex Venus Pages and Classic Period Royal 'Binding' Rituals (2011); The Apotheosis of Janaab’ Pakal: Science, History, and Religion at  Classic Maya Palenque (2007).