Undergrad’s Fascination with the Brain Leads Her to Research at SBU

Mariami Kochiashvili - the URECA researcher of the month for November - is a biology/psychology double major. She has always been deeply fascinated by the brain, its patterns, mechanisms, and its connections to both neuroscience and psychology. After joining the Mofakham-Mikell Lab in the Department of Neurosurgery in January 2025, she found a real connection and purpose. Kochiashvili researches neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Parkinson's disease, and investigates how deep brain stimulation (DBS) can improve both motor and non-motor functions. She employs computerized motion analysis, landmark-based facial tracking, and high-resolution kinematic assessments to measure tremor, gait, and facial expressivity in both DBS-treated and non-DBS Parkinson's patients, as well as healthy controls.

"What motivates me most is knowing that our findings could one day improve patients' daily functioning and enhance their quality of life. For me, research is not just about discovery, it is about the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patients' well-being," said Kochiashvili.

As a URECA Summer Research participant, Kochiashvili immersed herself in research full-time and made substantial progress on her project. In October, she presented her research findings at the Institute for Chemical Biology & Drug Discovery symposium on campus and at the 2025-2026 American Physician Scientists Association Northeast Regional Meeting at the University of Rochester, with support from a URECA mini grant.

On campus, Kochiashvili is actively involved as a member of the Pre-Med Society, the National Society of Leadership and Success, and the College of Arts and Sciences Dean's Student Leadership and Advisory Council. She is also a teaching assistant for biology and psychology classes.

Before transferring to Stony Brook in Fall 2024, Kochiashvili earned her associate of science degree with honors in biology from Kingsborough Community College, where she participated in the CUNY Research Scholars Program. She aspires to become a physician-scientist, dedicated to bridging the gap between research and clinical care.

Read the full interview with URECA Director Karen Kernan.