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The Interview:

Karen: Tell me about your research, and how you first got involved in research at Stony Brook.

Mariami: My research project: “Assessing Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) to enhance Parkinson’s  Disease (PD) Treatment through Computer - Based Motion Analysis of Tremor Gait and Facial  Expressions,” focuses on improving how we evaluate the effects of DBS therapy in Parkinson’s patients. Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra, a region of the brain responsible for coordinating movement. This degeneration leads to hallmark motor symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), and postural instability. Beyond motor symptoms, many patients also experience non-motor challenges including changes in mood, facial expressivity, and cognition that significantly impact quality of life. Although Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) can significantly improve motor symptoms, traditional clinical rating scales often fail to detect subtle yet meaningful changes. To address this gap, this study uses AI-based motion tracking and facial analysis tools to objectively measure tremor amplitude, gait patterns, and facial expressivity. By providing precise, individualized data, these computer-based methods can help optimize DBS programming and reveal how motor and emotional circuits interact in Parkinson’s disease. Ultimately, our goal is to move toward more personalized, and effective clinical care for patients that advances early detection and prevention of disease progression.

I first got involved with research at Stony Brook shortly after transferring here in Fall 2024. I’ve always been deeply fascinated by the brain, its patterns, mechanisms, and its connections to both neuroscience and psychology, so I began reaching out to neurosurgery labs right away. In January 2025, I was fortunate to join the Mofakham-Mikell Lab at Stony Brook University Hospital, where I now work under the mentorship of neurosurgeon Dr. Charles Mikell and computational neuroscientist and physicist Dr. Sima Mofakham. The Mofakham-Mikell Lab integrates neurosurgery, computational neuroscience, and engineering to better understand and treat complex brain disorders. My lab studies not only Parkinson’s disease, which is the focus of my URECA summer project, but also coma and consciousness, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), and Post-Traumatic Epilepsy.

For me, this experience has been incredibly inspiring: it’s where science, technology, and compassion come together. Every dataset and every patient interaction remind me that behind the science are patients whose lives can be transformed through research, innovation, and our dedicated efforts.

Did you have any prior research experience when you first joined the lab?

When I first joined the Mofakham-Mikell Lab, I didn’t have any prior experience in neurobiology. My previous research focused on the role of nutraceuticals in regulating appetite and satiety for weight management, which taught me how to design experiments, analyze data, and approach scientific questions critically. Yet even though I’ve only been in the lab for a short time, I’ve learned an incredible amount. In under a year, I’ve gained guidance from my PIs and learned from the diverse perspectives of medical and graduate students in the lab. This experience has deepened my understanding of complex neurological diseases and the experimental approaches used to study them.

The URECA program gave me the opportunity to dedicate an entire summer to research. Having uninterrupted time to focus on my project allowed me to engage deeply with the data, troubleshoot challenges, and make meaningful progress, all while cultivating perseverance, discipline, and a deeper appreciation for the scientific process. What inspires me most is knowing that our work has a direct impact on patients’ lives. Every patient interaction reinforces the purpose behind the work. I love the challenge of pushing myself to learn more, think critically, and work hard for both the research itself and the people it ultimately serves. This experience has strengthened my passion for neuroscience, inspired me to pursue meaningful contributions, and reminded me that science is not just about discovery: it’s about making a real difference in the world.

Congratulations on being able to present your research – at both ICB&DD and the APSA Meeting!

Both meetings were incredible experiences. I had the opportunity to present my research at the 19th Annual ICB&DD Symposium on “Drug Discovery & AI: Advances and New Directions." It was an incredible experience. I had the chance to discuss my work with professors from different universities, gain feedback, and learn about the latest developments on cutting-edge applications of artificial intelligence in drug discovery on structural biology and neurobiology. The poster session was particularly engaging, as I could interact with students from various departments, exchange ideas, and see a wide range of innovative research projects.

Attending the 2025–2026 APSA Northeast Regional Meeting at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry (URSMD) MSTP events was also inspiring. The keynote lectures by physician-scientists emphasized the power of impact-driven research and its essential role in advancing medicine. The conference provided a platform to connect with Rochester medical students and faculty, discuss the clinical implications of my work, and receive meaningful feedback. I was able to share my findings, learn from ongoing research projects, and explore potential interdisciplinary collaborations that could further enhance my study. Overall, these experiences reinforced my commitment to continue presenting my research at upcoming symposiums and conferences, raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease, and to develop interventions and prevention strategies that can improve patients’ lives.

What are the next steps for your research?
The next steps for this research include preparing the findings for publication, which will allow the results to reach a wider scientific and medical audience. Sharing these insights is critical, as it can inform other researchers and clinicians working with Parkinson’s disease, ultimately helping to improve patient care and guide more effective treatment strategies. 

Since you've started in the lab, what has been the most surprising aspect of doing research?
The most surprising aspect of research has been realizing how often things don’t go as planned and how much dedication it takes to navigate that process. I’ve learned that unexpected results aren’t setbacks; they’re opportunities to think critically, adapt, and refine approaches. Whether it involves adjusting data analyses or modifying study designs, I’ve discovered that flexibility, problem-solving, and perseverance are just as essential as technical skills. Each stage of my research experience from brainstorming my project title, reviewing prior studies, developing hypotheses, designing research procedures, recruiting patients, running analyses, to interpreting results feels like piecing together a complex puzzle that connects science to meaningful, real-world impact. Asking questions, taking initiative, and keeping sight of the bigger purpose behind the work are essential parts of the process. Studying details like motor function, facial expressivity, and tremor patterns reveals meaningful insights into individuals’ daily lives, their hopes, and challenges. I find it incredibly rewarding to uncover patterns that could help clinicians detect early symptoms and improve treatment outcomes. 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.

What do you think is the hardest, most challenging part of undergraduate research?
I think the hardest part of undergraduate research is often just getting started. Reaching out to faculty, expressing interest, and not always receiving the response you’re hoping for can feel discouraging. What I’ve learned is that persistence is key, and setbacks are a normal part of the process. Rejection isn’t a reflection of your potential; it’s just a step along the way. Curiosity, determination, and resilience are what ultimately open doors. Every effort you put in—every email, every meeting, every follow-up teaches you something new and brings you one step closer to an opportunity. 

Do you have any other advice for students?
Take advantage of summer research programs, such as URECA or SOAR. Participating in URECA gave me the invaluable opportunity to focus full-time on my research, dive deeply into the scientific process, and develop skills I wouldn’t have gained during the regular semester. It also opened doors to present my work at several symposiums and conferences, connect with mentors, and engage with the broader research community. Summer programs are a great way to build experience, grow your confidence, and make meaningful contributions to your field of study.

Tell me about the mentorship you’ve experienced in the lab.

My mentor, Dr. Mofakham, is incredibly collaborative and supportive. She is deeply dedicated to her work and to helping me grow as a professional researcher, and I truly enjoy working with her. She is a role model for me and has inspired me to pursue excellence in my own research. The entire lab is highly collaborative, and I’m grateful to be surrounded by knowledgeable and inspiring colleagues, including medical, graduate, and PhD students, who are deeply committed to each project and from whom I’ve gained valuable insights and broader perspectives on my research. I truly appreciate working alongside them, sharing ideas, and exploring new aspects of Parkinson’s disease together. Our lab meetings are a valuable space to share progress, troubleshoot challenges, and receive feedback.

I genuinely love being in the lab. It’s where I spend most of my time, fully immersed in the research, and it’s something I’m truly passionate about. This experience not only deepens my understanding of neuroscience but also motivates me to consider the real-world impact of our work and how it can ultimately help patients with severe neurodegenerative diseases.

What is your goal after graduating from Stony Brook?
After graduating from Stony Brook, I plan to attend medical school with the goal of becoming a neurosurgeon. My current research has provided invaluable insight into neurological diseases, patient care, and the connection between neuroscience and psychology, which directly relates to my future profession. I hope to continue conducting research that bridges science and clinical practice, contributing to innovations that improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Ultimately, I aim to combine my clinical work with ongoing research to make a meaningful impact on the lives of patients with severe disorders. I am committed to saving lives and work tirelessly toward that goal.  Everything I do is dedicated to supporting patients, their hopes, and their journey toward recovery.

Your lab offers a unique learning environment – in part because you have such direct contact with the patients while doing this research.
Yes, direct contact with patients is a central part of our research, and it’s one of the most meaningful aspects for me. When I interact with patients, they share their stories of the day they were diagnosed with Parkinson’s, the challenges they face, and the emotions behind their tremors and facial expressions. Seeing firsthand how tremors affect simple daily tasks, such as holding a cup, writing, or drawing, is incredibly emotional. Sometimes patients struggle to smile at their grandchildren or even communicate effectively, which highlights just how profoundly this disease impacts their lives. These experiences are deeply motivating and inspire me to do more to help them. They reinforce why I want to become a neurosurgeon and fuel my dedication to research. I love being in the lab and the work I’m doing.

Every moment in the lab, every hour spent towards my research project with my lab members, feels purposeful because I know it has the potential to benefit current and future DBS and Parkinson’s patients. I am incredibly grateful to be part of the Mofakham-Mikell Lab and to work alongside my lab members toward our shared goal of improving patient care. I would also like to thank Dr. Carine Maurer and Dr. Guy Schwartz from the Stony Brook Neurology Department for their collaboration on this research. This work has given me confidence, strengthened my motivation, and allowed me to focus on what I am truly passionate about, which is making a meaningful difference in patients’ lives.