About Me
I am currently a PhD candidate in Cognitive Psychology at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), where I study second language learning and human cognition.
My academic journey began in Ukraine, where I completed my bachelor’s and first master’s degrees in English Philology with a focus on English language and literature. During my master’s studies, I became increasingly interested not only in language itself, but in the cognitive mechanisms behind how people learn, process, and use language.
While working on my master’s thesis in cognitive linguistics, I discovered that I was most drawn to research—asking questions, designing studies, and using data to better understand human behavior. That experience ultimately motivated me to pursue research more seriously and led me to continue my academic path in the United States.
I later joined UIC to pursue doctoral studies, where my work expanded from language and cognition into broader questions in psychology and human learning. Through my research, I have worked across psychology, linguistics, and neuroscience, using behavioral and neuroimaging methods alongside quantitative approaches to better understand how people learn, process information, and adapt to complex environments.
Alongside research, I have enjoyed translating complex ideas for different audiences through teaching, mentoring, conference presentations, and scientific communication. I also enjoy exploring new areas and developing practical skills outside of my academic work. As one example, I participated in an AI Leaders program through which I created this portfolio website, expanded my understanding of AI, and learned to use WordPress to present and share my work online.
Today, I am especially interested in applying research on cognition and learning to human-centered technology, including UX Research, AI products, and human–AI interaction.