Marissa is a first-generation undergraduate student attending Columbia College in Columbia, Missouri where she is pursuing a degree in Forensic Science with an emphasis in Biology, a minor in Criminal Justice, and a Crime Scene Investigations Certificate. Marissa is the youngest of seven children and graduated Summa Cum Laude from St. Charles High School. There, she was the captain of the dance team and was involved in the National Honors Society and Mu Alpha Theta.

At Columbia College, she is part of the collegiate dance team, a First Year Mentor who aids incoming students, and also serves as secretary for the Forensic Science Club. Marissa also volunteers at the regional food bank in Columbia, and in previous years, she has been an active volunteer at the food bank in her hometown.

Marissa is adventurous and has a passion for traveling. This summer she completed a semester abroad in Lüneburg, Germany. In her future professional work, she plans to help solve crimes, combining her passion for adventure and her desire to help the community.