Raised near Seattle, Kory earned an undergraduate degree in English at Western Washington University. He then received his masters degree in communication from the University of Washington and his PhD in communication from the University of Arizona, where he is now a professor of communication.

His work focuses on how people show affection for each other in their close relationships and on the problems we face when we don't have enough intimacy in our lives. He is especially interested in why affection feels good and how it is good for us. His work shows that people’s mental health, physical health, and relationships are all improved by affectionate communication. He has found that highly affectionate people sleep better, have stronger immune systems, experience less depression, and recover more quickly from stress. In his current studies, he is exploring whether receiving affection is an effective way to reduce pain.

Dr. Floyd is also interested in why some people are more affectionate than others. He studies this by examining the interplay of family upbringing with specific genes related to emotion, empathy, and compassion. A consistent theme throughout his teaching, research, and writing is the strong connection between communication, physiology, and health.