For Mariami Kochiashvili, the path to medicine runs straight through the laboratory.
A biology and psychology double major at Stony Brook University, Kochiashvili has spent her undergraduate years studying the brain, which she has long been fascinated by, from its patterns and mechanisms to the connections that link neuroscience and psychology.
That curiosity earned her recognition as an Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URECA) Researcher of the Month for her neuroscience work examining how deep brain stimulation (DBS) affects motor and non-motor symptoms in individuals with Parkinson's disease.
Kochiashvili is building toward a career as a physician-scientist, one grounded equally in scientific discovery and the people that discovery is meant to serve.
After joining the Mofakham-Mikell Lab in the Department of Neurosurgery at Stony Brook University in early 2025, Kochiashvili found direction and a clear sense of what matters most to her in her journey. Her research used advanced motion-capture and facial analysis technologies to measure tremor, gait, and facial expressivity in Parkinson's patients.
The goal was to better understand how patients respond to treatment so that long-term outcomes can improve. That work served as the foundation of her honors thesis, reflecting a commitment to translational research that turns scientific findings into better care.
For Kochiashvili, the stakes of that work were deeply personal. "I believe there is no greater responsibility or privilege than guiding someone through illness and uncertainty," she says.
She sees research as the engine behind that responsibility. Advancing it, she explains, allows scientists and clinicians to discover new approaches to care, improve treatments, and ultimately empower patients to take control of their health.
Kochiashvili's research has reached audiences well beyond her own campus. She has presented her findings at multiple symposiums and conferences, including at the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Harvard University, and Rutgers Medical School, sharing her work at venues like the Institute for Chemical Biology & Drug Discovery symposium and the 2025–2026 American Physician Scientists Association Northeast Regional Meeting.
Her academic record has drawn recognition as well. In addition to her URECA honor, Kochiashvili was awarded the John W. Perry Endowed Scholarship in Psychology, recognizing her academic excellence, research contributions, and dedication to the field.
That scholarly drive took root before she arrived at Stony Brook. Kochiashvili transferred in fall 2024 after earning her associate's degree in biology with honors from Kingsborough Community College, where she took part in the CUNY Research Scholars Program.
Those honors reflect the discipline, persistence, and academic focus she has brought to each stage of her journey.
Reaching these milestones meant carrying research, leadership, teaching, and clinical work all at once, and Kochiashvili credits a specific set of skills with making it possible.
"Achieving these goals required leadership, determination, perseverance, and a strong work ethic," she says.
Juggling those responsibilities demanded discipline above all. "Balancing research, leadership positions, teaching assistant responsibilities, and clinical volunteering demanded effective time management, discipline, and the ability to remain focused," she says.
Outside the lab, she has stayed active across campus, serving on the College of Arts and Sciences Dean's Student Leadership and Advisory Council and the Department of Biology Director's Student Advisory Board, while also working as an undergraduate teaching assistant for biology and psychology courses. Besides the NSLS, she is a member of Psi Chi, the international honor society in psychology, and the Pre-Med Society.
What carried her through, she says, was a willingness to keep going. "In both research and clinical settings, determination and hard work allowed me to continue pursuing meaningful opportunities that aligned with my passion for medicine and patient care," she says. "These experiences taught me the value of resilience and dedication."
Some of Kochiashvili's most formative learning has happened in hospital and clinical settings, where she volunteers and serves underserved communities. There, she has seen firsthand how factors far beyond a diagnosis shape a patient's experience.
"Observing how social, emotional, and environmental factors shape health outcomes and access to care has profoundly influenced my understanding of medicine," she says.
Those moments have shown her medicine at its most human. "I have witnessed how fear, urgency, and hope often coexist during moments of vulnerability, especially among individuals facing financial limitations or delayed care," she says.
The result has been a deeper sense of compassion, and a firmer resolve to pursue a career in medicine to help make a positive difference.
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A piece of advice has stayed with Kochiashvili through every challenge, reminding her that setbacks are part of the climb.
"Even when the journey feels difficult, have faith that your hard work will be recognized, and never let anyone discourage you from pursuing your goals," she says. "Every challenge you overcome brings you one step closer to success."
She has held onto that lesson as a working philosophy. "It has taught me to stay strong, remain focused, and work tirelessly until I achieve my goals," she continues.
The NSLS has reinforced that same belief. "Being a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success has helped me become a stronger leader," she says. "Through leadership training and professional development opportunities, I have learned the importance of perseverance in achieving meaningful goals. The NSLS has also reinforced the value of supporting and inspiring others while continuing to grow both personally and professionally."
Just as valuable, she notes, has been the community around her. "Engaging with individuals who are equally driven toward academic and career success has motivated me to challenge myself, pursue meaningful opportunities, and remain committed to my long-term goals even when faced with obstacles," she says. "Overall, the NSLS has strengthened my ability to lead with confidence, determination, and purpose, while consistently working hard to achieve my goals."
Looking ahead, Kochiashvili's goals are to attend medical school and pursue a career as a surgeon while contributing to research.
"Through my academic, clinical, and research experiences, I have developed a deep understanding of the importance of combining compassionate patient care with scientific advancement," she says, a strong foundation for the next phase in her development.
That dual focus defines how she imagines her future. "Throughout my medical training, I hope to continue conducting research that contributes to discovering innovative treatments and enhancing the quality of life for patients and families facing severe medical conditions," she says.
She is already laying the groundwork. Her near-term plans include preparing for the MCAT, gaining more research experience, and pursuing clinical and internship opportunities in healthcare. She has also begun a new research project focused on functional mobility and postural control in individuals with myelopathy and hemiplegia, work she hopes will improve rehabilitation strategies and quality of life for patients facing neurological and movement-related challenges.
At the heart of it all is a single motivation. "Everything I do is driven by the goal of supporting patients, giving them hope, and guiding them through recovery," she says.
When Kochiashvili describes what makes a strong leader, she points to character before authority.
"A strong leader is not someone who simply gives directions, but someone who listens, supports others, and inspires people through their actions," she says.
She believes the truest test of leadership comes when things get hard. "Challenges and setbacks are inevitable, but strong leaders continue moving forward while encouraging others to do the same," she says. "Leadership is about remaining calm under pressure, making thoughtful decisions, and staying committed to your goals even during difficult moments."
Above all, she encourages future leaders to stay curious. "I would encourage others to never stop learning from the people and experiences around them," she says. "Every challenge, interaction, and opportunity offers valuable lessons that contribute to personal and professional growth. The best leaders are those who continue striving to improve themselves while also uplifting others."
Kochiashvili's drive to pair scientific discovery with patient care reflects what's possible when ambition meets purpose. Meet Savannah Szalanski, another NSLS member in the sciences who turned preparation into a competitive Mayo Clinic internship.