Mariya Cherkasova

Dr. Mariya Cherkasova, PhD, serves as an Assistant Professor of Behavioral Neuroscience in the Department of Psychology at West Virginia University School of Medicine. Her academic journey began with a PhD in Clinical Psychology from McGill University, followed by postdoctoral research at the University of British Columbia. This rich background has equipped her with a robust foundation in both clinical and research settings. Dr. Cherkasova's research is centered on understanding the psychological and neural mechanisms underlying reward-related behavior, with a particular emphasis on addiction. Her work is characterized by a multidisciplinary approach, utilizing experimental psychology, eye tracking, neuroimaging, and psychopharmacology. Through these methodologies, she aims to uncover insights that can inform and improve strategies for addiction treatment and prevention. Since joining the faculty at WVU in 2020, Dr. Cherkasova has been an active contributor to the academic community. She is deeply involved in mentoring graduate students, guiding them through the complexities of research in behavioral neuroscience. Her commitment to education is further reflected in her teaching of courses in physiological psychology, where she integrates her research expertise to enrich the learning experience. Dr. Cherkasova's contributions to the field are not limited to her research and teaching. She is also engaged in collaborative projects that seek to bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical applications in addiction therapy. Her work continues to push the boundaries of our understanding of reward-related behavior, offering new perspectives on how to address the challenges posed by addiction. In addition to her academic and research endeavors, Dr. Cherkasova is a sought-after speaker at conferences and workshops, where she shares her insights on the intersection of psychology and neuroscience. Her dedication to advancing the field is evident in her ongoing efforts to foster a deeper understanding of the neural underpinnings of behavior. Dr. Cherkasova's passion for her work is matched by her commitment to her students and colleagues, making her a valued member of the WVU community. Her research not only contributes to the scientific understanding of addiction but also holds the potential to impact public health policies and practices.