Biography

Dr. Parmentier-Sikorski is a Professor of Psychology at Texas A&M University – Texarkana who serves as the Interim Dean of the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education. Dr. Parmentier-Sikorski teaches undergraduate and graduate courses related to the biological bases of behavior and statistical and research methodology. Her research interests lie in the impact experience has on the structure and function of the brain and how that contributes to cognitive function.   

Professional Experience

Dr. Parmentier-Sikorski is proud to have devoted her academic career to Texas A&M – Texarkana. In 2008 she joined the faculty as an Assistant Professor and achieved tenure and promotion to Associate Professor in 2013. In 2019 Dr. Parmentier-Sikorski was promoted to Full Professor. Dr. Parmentier-Sikorski has also served the university and her profession in a variety of capacities. She was the president of the Southwestern Teaching of Psychology Association from 2014 – 2016, the chair of the Southwest Psychological Association from 2016 – 2018, and proudly represented TAMUT faculty as their Faculty Senate President during the 2015-2016 and 2021-2022 academic years. 

Education

Dr. Parmentier-Sikorski completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Cajal Neuroscience Research Center at the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2008. She earned her M.S. and Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology with an emphasis in Neuroscience from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2003 and 2005, respectively. In 1996 she earned her B.S. in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, graduating summa cum laude.

Teaching

Dr. Parmentier-Sikorski teaches undergraduate and graduate courses relating to the cognitive and biological bases of behavior as well as statistical and research methods.

Undergraduate Courses Taught:

• Statistical Methods in Psychology
• Learning and Behavior
• Cognitive Psychology
• Brain and Behavior
• Sensation and Perception

Graduate Courses Taught:   

• Advanced Psychological Statistics
• Research Literature and Techniques
• Psychological Theories of Learning
• Advanced Physiological Psychology 

Scholarship & Creative Activity

Dr. Parmentier-Sikorski is interested in the neurobiological bases of learning and memory and how experience affects cognitive function. She encourages both undergraduate and graduate students to assist her in her research. Through these collaborations she has co-authored numerous presentations with students at the regional, national, and international level. Dr. Parmentier-Sikorski also has several peer-reviewed journal articles and a book that was recently translated to Korean. A sample of her scholarship includes:

McHenry, B., Sikorski, A.M., & McHenry, J. (2020).  A Counselor’s Introduction to Neuroscience.  (Korean Translation) New York: Routledge University Press.

Thompson, G.E*., Sertuche, I.M*., Trumble, B.E*. & Sikorski, A.M. (2017). Acute Exercise Assists in the Retrieval of Newly Formed Memories.  Southwestern Psychological Association Meeting.  San Antonio, TX.

Busacca, L.A., Sikorski, A.M. & McHenry, B. (2015), Infusing neuroscience within counselor training: A rationale for an integrally-informed model.  Journal of Counselor Practice, 6, 33-45.

Ballesteros, K.A*., Sikorski, A.M., Orfila, J.E*. & Martinez Jr., J.L. (2012). Effects of inhaled isoflurane on LTP of CA3 cell afferents in vivo. International Journal of Medicine, 5, 935-942.

Sikorski, A.M., Hebert, N*. & Swain, R.A. (2008).  Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) inhibits new vessel growth in the mammalian brain.  Brain Research, 1213, 35-40

*denotes student author 

Grants

Faculty Research and Development Grant ($763), spring 2022
Nominee, TAMUT Honors Studies Teaching Excellence Award, 2017
Distinguished Faculty Award, Texas A&M University Texarkana, 2015
Texas Parks and Wildlife, P.I. 2015, $250,000 – Bringle Lake Wildlife Trail Phase I
Cabe Grant, grant writer, 2015, $25,000
Texas Parks and Wildlife, P.I. 2014, $250,000 – Bringle Lake Wildlife Trail Phase II

Awards and Recognitions

Texas A&M University Texarkana Outstanding Advisor, 2014
TAMUT’s Student Recognition Award for Teaching Excellence, 2010, 2011, 2012
Chancellor’s Teaching Excellence Award, 2009