SLU-Madrid Alumna and Psychology Professor Valeriya Sidelkivska, Ph.D., Joins Faculty Full-Time
Saint Louis University-Madrid alumna Valeriya Sidelkivska, Ph.D., has officially joined the Department of Psychology as a full-time faculty member, marking a new chapter in her long-standing relationship with the University.
Sidelkivska graduated from SLU-Madrid in 2016, drawn to the campus as one of the few American universities in Europe offering the academic programs she sought.
"SLU was one of the only American universities in Europe with the programs I was interested in at the time," she said. "And I wanted to be closer to my family, who were in Ukraine."
After completing her undergraduate studies, Sidelkivska earned a master's in brain and cognition from Universitat Pompeu Fabra (Barcelona), followed by a master's in pharmacological research with a specialization in neuropsychopharmacology from the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. Most recently, she completed a Ph.D. in business and territorial competitiveness, innovation and sustainability from Universidad Pontificia Comillas (Madrid), focusing her research on organizational behavior.
Having transitioned to a full-time faculty role in September 2025, Sidelkivska brings to her classroom an interdisciplinary background bridging psychology, neuroscience and organizational studies.
"I love it here," she said. "The students are bright, engaged and genuinely curious – they bring such energy and thoughtfulness to the classroom. There's also a real sense of community here; people know and support one another, and that warmth extends to both students and faculty. It’s rewarding to contribute to the same environment that shaped me."
Sidelkivska currently teaches cognitive psychology, organizational behavior, psychological measurement in the workplace and general psychology. She hopes her developing research will enhance her teaching and provide new opportunities for collaboration across disciplines.
"I'm thinking about doing research regarding my country and the psychological impact of the political context within Ukraine," she said. "Hopefully, I can engage with the political department to collaborate together."
Her research interests continue to evolve as she refines her project proposal, but her commitment to combining social, cognitive and behavioral insights remains clear. "I definitely think my research could complement the classes, particularly through the social and cognitive aspects of behavior," she said.