Mr. Horrell has over 14 years experience in archaeology working throughout the United States and in Central America. He received his BA in anthropology and History in 1995 from Southwest Texas State University. He also completed graduate studies at the University of Texas at San Antonio, receiving an MA in Anthropology in 1999. After completion of his MA, he entered the doctoral program at Florida State University to study underwater archaeology. During his studies at FSU, Mr. Horrell took the position as co-field director of the Dog Island Shipwreck Survey, a program designed to locate and catalog submerged cultural resources in Franklin County, Florida. During the survey, a shipwreck was located in the spring of 2000. This centerboard schooner has been the focus of Mr. Horrell's PhD dissertation research for the last four years. He anticipates completing the PhD requirements in early summer of 2004.

During his studies at FSU, Mr. Horrell took a position with the Florida Bureau of Archaeological Research as an Archaeological Assistant. His job included working with Florida's submerged cultural resources; conducting site assessments, managing contracts and permits, working with Florida’s underwater preserves, and presenting information and educating the public on the importance of preserving the past. In 2003, Mr. Horrell was offered a position with the Minerals Management Service as a Marine Archaeologist. His position requires him to provide professional knowledge in the inventory, evaluation, protection, use and management of the prehistoric and historic resources of the Gulf Mexico Outer Continental Shelf. He is also a member of the MMS Scientific Dive Team.