Maggie Kochiashvili '26
BA Biology and Psychology

On her double major:

I chose Biology because it allows me to explore  the complexity of the human body, disease mechanisms, and the biological foundations of health  and illness. Psychology, on the other hand, provides insight into human behavior, cognition, and the essential role that mental and emotional health play in overall well-being. Every patient has a unique story, and I believe that compassionate and effective healthcare requires understanding  both of these aspects. 

Studying both fields has helped me develop a more holistic perspective on patient care while strengthening my critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Ultimately, these disciplines provide a strong foundation for my future role as a physician who strives to make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives and advocate for their well-being. 

Interests and accomplishments:

On campus, I am involved in several research, leadership, and pre-medical programs that have  helped shape both my academic and professional journey. As a URECA Summer Research  Scholar, I was able to conduct research in the Mofakham-Mikell Lab within the Department of  Neurosurgery at Stony Brook University Hospital. My research focuses on assessing how Deep  Brain Stimulation (DBS) can improve both motor and non-motor symptoms in patients with  Parkinson’s disease. Using computerized motion analysis, facial landmark tracking, and gait  assessments, I study tremor, movement patterns, and facial expressions in DBS-treated patients,  non-DBS patients, and healthy controls. This work has allowed me to explore how advanced  technologies and data-driven approaches can improve clinical assessments and patient outcomes  in a more flexible, objective, and accurate way than some traditional evaluation methods. Through  this experience, I have gained patient interaction experience as well. 

Moreover, I had the  opportunity to fully immerse myself in research and make significant progress on my project. I was honored to present my research findings at the Institute for Chemical Biology & Drug  Discovery Symposium at SBU as well as at the APSA Northeast Regional Meeting at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Harvard University, and other academic conferences.

I am actively involved in several leadership and academic organizations including the Pre-Med Society, the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), Psi Chi, and the CAS Dean’s Student Leadership and Advisory Council. I also serve as a Teaching Assistant for both Biology and Psychology courses, which has helped me grow as a leader and mentor while supporting other students in their academic journeys. 

Moreover, I am  involved in several pre-medical programs, including the Renaissance School of Medicine (RSOM) PACE Scholar Program and the Undergraduate Clinical Experience Program (UCEP) through SB HOME. 

Overall, these experiences have not only helped me grow academically and professionally, but also have strengthened my passion for medicine, deepened my understanding of patient-centered  care, and reinforced my commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others as a  future physician. 

Plans for post-graduation:

I plan to attend medical school and continue pursuing my goal of becoming a surgeon. My experiences have shown me how important research is in improving patient outcomes and advancing medicine. Throughout my medical training, I hope to continue conducting research that improves the quality of life for patients and families facing severe medical conditions. I am committed to saving lives and working tirelessly toward that goal. Everything I do is dedicated to supporting patients, their hopes, and their journey toward recovery. I hope to make a lasting impact on patients’ lives while advancing and contributing to this field. 

Advice for future Seawolves:

Take advantage of every opportunity that Stony Brook offers. Whether it is joining clubs, participating in research, attending networking events, seeking mentorship, or taking on leadership roles, each experience can help you grow both academically and personally. 

I also encourage students to build strong relationships with professors, mentors and peers, as those connections can make a lasting difference throughout their academic journey and beyond. Being part of this community can inspire you to work harder, think differently, and pursue goals you may not have previously imagined for yourself. 

Most importantly, believe in your abilities and continue working toward your goals. Each student has the potential to become a leader and a change-maker with the power to make a positive impact in the world. Therefore, I  encourage everyone to dream big and never give up.