Ekaterina Denkova, Ph.D.
Research Asst. Professor
Assistant Director of Neuroimaging Facility

Ekaterina is interested in cognition-emotion interactions with an emphasis on real-life events. Specifically, her research interests reside in using neuroimaging techniques to examine the effects of emotional autobiographical memories on various aspects of cognition, as well as the modulation of these effects by (i) emotion regulation processes, and (ii) individual differences in personality, cognitive abilities, and affective mood.
Education
2006 | Ph.D. Cognitive Neuropsychology Department of Psychology, University of Strasbourg |
2003 | Cognitive Neuropsychology Department of Psychology, University of Toulouse |
2002 | B.A. Psychology Department of Psychology, University of Strasbourg |
Professional Experience
2018 - | Research Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Miami |
2017 - 2018 | Research Scientist, Jha Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Miami |
2014 - 2017 | Postdoctoral Research Associate, Jha Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Miami |
2008 - 2010 | Postdoctoral Research Associate, Dolcos Lab, Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta |
The overarching goal of Dr. Denkova’s research is to understand the mechanisms underlying (i) the impact of mindfulness training and emotion regulation strategies on cognitive and affective functioning, with a particular focus on emotional memories and processes associated with them (i.e., mind wandering, future events planning), and (ii) the role of individual differences in gender, affective state, and habitual emotion regulation strategies in these processes. Brain imaging methods (fMRI, ERP) and cognitive and affective assessments in diverse populations are used to achieve these aims.
Dr. Denkova’s research focuses on the following topics:
- Emotional Autobiographical Memories and Emotion Regulation Strategies
- Mind Wandering
- Impact of Mindfulness Training on Cognitive and Affective Functioning