Mariami Kochiashvili, an undergraduate student at Stony Brook University, has been named the URECA researcher of the month for November. Double majoring in biology and psychology, Kochiashvili has focused her academic and research interests on understanding the brain and its connections to neuroscience and psychology.
Since joining the Mofakham-Mikell Lab in the Department of Neurosurgery in January 2025, Kochiashvili has conducted research on neurodegenerative diseases, with a particular emphasis on Parkinson’s disease. Her work investigates how deep brain stimulation (DBS) may improve both motor and non-motor symptoms associated with the condition. She utilizes computerized motion analysis, landmark-based facial tracking, and high-resolution kinematic assessments to study tremor, gait, and facial expressivity among DBS-treated patients, non-DBS patients, and healthy individuals.
“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.
Kochiashvili participated full-time in research during the summer as part of the URECA Summer Research program. In October 2025, she presented her findings at both a campus symposium hosted by the Institute for Chemical Biology & Drug Discovery and at the American Physician Scientists Association Northeast Regional Meeting at the University of Rochester. Her participation was supported by a URECA mini grant.
In addition to her research activities, Kochiashvili is involved with several organizations on campus including the Pre-Med Society, National Society of Leadership and Success, and serves on the College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Student Leadership and Advisory Council. She also works as a teaching assistant for biology and psychology courses.
Prior to transferring to Stony Brook University in Fall 2024, she earned an associate degree with honors in biology from Kingsborough Community College while participating in the CUNY Research Scholars Program. Looking ahead, she plans to pursue a career as a physician-scientist aiming to connect laboratory research with clinical care.
Kochiashvili recently shared more about her journey in an interview with URECA Director Karen Kernan.
