Marissa Florez's research has focused on Native American Literature and the senses. Dr. Florez has done extensive research on sensory memory as is relates to the presence of postindian identity. Her current project focuses on how the senses, as contributors to collective memory, become a site of identity construction for social groups. Dr. Florez's research interests also include the study of food and literature, as it relates to culture. She graduated from University of Texas at El Paso with a M.A. in English and American literature, with a focus on contemporary Native American literature.