Mariami Kochiashvili, an undergraduate double majoring in biology and psychology at Stony Brook University, has been named the URECA researcher of the month for November. Her interest in the brain led her to join the Mofakham-Mikell Lab in the Department of Neurosurgery earlier this year.
Kochiashvili's research focuses on neurodegenerative diseases, with a particular emphasis on Parkinson’s disease. She studies how deep brain stimulation (DBS) affects both motor and non-motor functions in patients. Using computerized motion analysis, landmark-based facial tracking, and high-resolution kinematic assessments, she measures tremor, gait, and facial expressivity among 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.
During the summer, Kochiashvili participated full-time in research through URECA’s Summer Research program. In October 2025, she presented her work at two events: the Institute for Chemical Biology & Drug Discovery symposium held on campus and the American Physician Scientists Association Northeast Regional Meeting at the University of Rochester. Her participation was supported by a URECA mini grant.
On campus, Kochiashvili contributes to several organizations 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.
Before transferring to Stony Brook University in Fall 2024, Kochiashvili completed an associate degree with honors in biology from Kingsborough Community College where she was part of the CUNY Research Scholars Program. She plans to pursue a career as a physician-scientist focused on connecting scientific research with clinical practice.
“Read the full interview with URECA Director Karen Kernan.”