Rachel Most’s primary research interests are concerned with the study of change over time in prehistoric economic and settlement systems. She is particularly interested in the study of spatial and technological organization of prehistoric foraging societies, the impact of the adoption of agricultural strategies by foraging societies, and the role of hunting in emergent complex societies. Her avenue into the study of these processes has been the systematic study of stone tool procurement, production, and use. She is also interested in the "collapse" of Prehistoric societies.
Dean Most’s field research has been primarily in the Southwestern United States, where she has worked in east-central Arizona (Pinedale/Snowflake) and the southern desert areas of Arizona. Prior to her research in Arizona she was involved in historic and prehistoric archaeological research in the northeastern United States. She is presently an assistant dean in the College of Arts and Sciences and teaches a few courses in archaeology each year.