Marina Zhukova, PhD

Biography

Marina Zhukova, PhD is an Assistant Professor at the Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.

Dr. Zhukova has over 10 years of clinical experience working with children and adolescents with complex psychiatric conditions, trauma, and chronic illness. She has worked in a range of settings including psychiatric and medical hospitals, academic medical centers, community health, juvenile detention, and outpatient specialty clinics. She is particularly interested in high-acuity psychiatric and pediatric care. In 2023, Dr. Zhukova received the Excellence in Inpatient Care Award from UTHealth Science Center in Houston. Dr. Zhukova specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-focused therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), motivational interviewing, and substance use counseling.

Her research interests include early adversity and the impact of the environment on mental health. Dr. Zhukova has conducted international research on the effects of institutionalization in orphanages, with funding from international foundations, including the Society for Research in Child Development and Russian Science Foundation. She has authored and contributed to over 30 peer-reviewed publications. Dr. Zhukova bridges clinical practice and research, focusing on intergenerational trauma and equipping caregivers with tools to support their children.

Dr. Zhukova is actively involved in the supervision and training of pre-doctoral psychology interns, practicum students, and psychiatry residents at The Dunn Behavioral Sciences Center.