Events Archives - AUA Newsroom https://newsroom.aua.am/category/university/events/ News and views from the American University of Armenia Thu, 28 Mar 2024 08:16:11 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 AUA Center for Excellence in Journalism Hosts Professors From WSU https://newsroom.aua.am/2024/03/28/aua-center-excellence-journalism-professors-wsu/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 07:01:18 +0000 https://newsroom.aua.am/?p=62352 Professors Lisa Waananen Jones and Alison Boggs are award-winning former journalists at WSU’s Edward R. Murrow College of Communication.

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YEREVAN, Armenia — The newly-opened Center for Excellence in Journalism (CEJ) of the American University of Armenia (AUA) organized training courses for professional journalists in Armenia hosted by Washington State University (WSU) Associate Professor Lisa Waananen Jones and WSU Assistant Professor Alison Boggs from March 11-15. 

Professors Jones and Boggs are award-winning former journalists who teach at WSU’s Edward R. Murrow College of Communication, with a focus on such topics as reporting across platforms, visual media, professional multimedia content creation, narrative storytelling, etc. Moreover, Professor Jones was part of the New York Times team that won the 2021 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service for its “prescient and sweeping” coverage of the Covid-19 pandemic in the United States.

The events, organized by CEJ in partnership with WSU, included a mixer for AUA students, faculty, and the guest professors; a networking breakfast with the editors of well-established media outlets in Armenia; and three training sessions for working journalists in Yerevan and one in Gyumri.  

The networking event was aimed at facilitating connections and fostering collaboration between the faculty from WSU’s Murrow College and editors of leading Armenian media outlets. During the event, the invited editors discussed the current media landscape in Armenia, exchanged ideas, and discussed possible future collaboration with Professor Jones. 

During the three training sessions conducted at AUA by Professors Jones and Boggs, participants delved into data use and visualization in journalism, multiplatform reporting for the rapid news cycle, and tips on using literary techniques to enhance news writing.

In order to also ensure the participation of regional media organizations in Armenia, Professor Jones led one training session at the Asparez Journalists’ Club in Gyumri, introducing ways to produce data visualizations with free online tools and discussing trends in audience habits across online platforms. Professor Jones presented examples from her data work with the New York Times and other media organizations.

The training sessions and other events organized within CEJ will be ongoing, with the ultimate objectives of improving the media landscape in Armenia, training quality journalists, fostering networking opportunities, increasing knowledge of best practices and technical skills, and enhancing the credibility and reputation of Armenian media. 

The American University of Armenia, in partnership with Washington State University, signed a memorandum of understanding in 2023 to establish a Center for Excellence in Journalism (CEJ) and create a new master’s program in journalism education. The $1.3 million, four-year university partnership initiative is funded by the U.S. Embassy in Yerevan to support Armenia’s media sector. CEJ will serve as a hub for journalism education and leadership in research, training, best practices, and collaboration with leading experts and policy makers that advances knowledge of how quality journalism can serve as a bulwark against misinformation and improve networking within Armenia’s journalism ecosystem. The Center will also offer professional development programs serving the wider media community.

Visit to Asparez

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In(Sight) House Talks: “The Chants of Our Hearts” https://newsroom.aua.am/2024/03/27/insight-house-talks-chants-hearts/ Wed, 27 Mar 2024 07:13:43 +0000 https://newsroom.aua.am/?p=62670 Through her capstone project and documentary film, Mariana Safaryan (BAEC ’23) shone light on the football narratives of five Armenian women.

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YEREVAN, Armenia — On March 21, the Akian Art Gallery at the American University of Armenia (AUA) hosted the third In(Sight) House Talks series event featuring Mariana Safaryan’s (BAEC ’23) research project, “The Chants of Our Hearts.” The series is part of a larger initiative, Oral History Matters, which aims to amplify the importance of oral history as a research methodology. In(Sight) House Talks spotlights ten oral history-based capstone projects from the In(Sight) House exhibition, which took place earlier in August 2023.

Safaryan presented her capstone project as well as her documentary film, shining light on the football narratives of five Armenian women, including Safaryan herself. The textual part of her talk explained the epistemological and methodological foundations of her research while shedding light on the issues prevalent in women’s football. 

Based on oral history interviews and self-study, Safaryan’s documentary film explores the narrators’ connections to football and the experience of being a woman interested in a sport that is predominantly viewed as “masculine.” The narrators reflected on the stereotypes and injustices in women’s football through their personal stories as footballers and football fans. 

“By spotlighting women’s voices, my film aims to show that one does not have to fit into certain boxes to fully enjoy football and feel like a valued member of the community it offers,” Safaryan explained in her artist statement.

Safaryan’s research intended to redefine football and show it from a new perspective through women’s narratives. Her goal was to show that human connections and emotions are what truly represent the power of football. 

The talk, which was followed by a screening of Safaryan’s film and an extensive Q&A session, opened up a space for discussion about women’s involvement in sports and the importance of voicing their narratives, especially about a topic that has always been overlooked. It also highlighted the crucial role of self-study and the importance of oral history in doing feminist, anti-oppressive research. 

Oral History Matters seeks to dismantle dominant research practices by bringing oral history to the forefront and challenging conventional narratives.In(Sight) House was an exhibition that spotlighted the research projects of ten students from the English and Communications department, each of whom delved into oral history to explore and narrate stories that resonate deeply with the human experience. The Akian Gallery underwent a transformation during the In(Sight) House exhibition, becoming a symbolic house where each room was dedicated to showcasing the work of a different student. This creative approach allowed visitors to step into the world of each student’s research and experience the diverse stories firsthand.

Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values. 

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EPIC’s InvestED: Introducing AUA Students to Wall Street and Beyond https://newsroom.aua.am/2024/03/18/epics-invested-introducing-aua-students-wall-street-beyond/ Mon, 18 Mar 2024 07:46:15 +0000 https://newsroom.aua.am/?p=62248 InvestED addresses the complexities of modern finance and investment by offering participants practical insight into investment principles.

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YEREVAN, Armenia In response to the growing need for enhanced financial literacy among young people in Armenia, the Entrepreneurship and Product Innovation Center (EPIC) at the American University of Armenia (AUA) launched EPIC InvestED in the fall of 2023, an initiative aimed at equipping young individuals with essential financial knowledge, skills, and experience.

Introduced through a series of interactive sessions with AUA professors and outside investment experts, InvestED seeks to address the complexities of modern finance and investment by providing participants with practical, hands-on insight into investment principles. The initiative aims to empower students with the tools necessary to navigate financial and investment decisions effectively by covering topics such as saving, money management, investing, risk management, and critical thinking.

A highlight of InvestED is the active participation of students in the Stock Market Game™ hosted by the SIFMA Foundation. This internationally renowned simulation platform offers students hands-on experience in the world of investment, allowing them to apply their theoretical knowledge in a competitive environment. Through participation in the Stock Market Game™, students not only gain exposure to the intricacies of saving and investing, but also develop valuable decision-making skills essential for success in today’s global economy.

The significance of initiatives like InvestED cannot be overlooked in a world where financial literacy is increasingly acknowledged as a fundamental skill. One of the participants, Lilit Shabanyan (BAB ’26), shared: “Our sessions at InvestED have been transformative, teaching me invaluable lessons and fundamentally changing my understanding of wealth. The most significant insight I got is that merely earning a lot isn’t the key to ‘becoming rich;’ instead, it’s how you manage and save your money that counts. This has opened my eyes to the importance of financial literacy and the power of making informed decisions”.

By providing students with access to practical financial education, EPIC contributes to laying the groundwork for a generation of young people better prepared to navigate the complexities of the financial world. 

Fostering Student Learning: Comprehensive Finance and Investing Sessions

During the program, students participated in a series of sessions organized by a couple of AUA students passionate about the field who also previously engaged in EPIC programs such as STRIVE or the Incubation program. When talking about InvestED, Daniel Stepanyan (BAPG ’27), one of the co-organizers, mentioned: “My passion for entrepreneurship and the investment world naturally led me to get involved in this initiative with EPIC. I see myself as an investment banker in the future, and InvestED has provided me with invaluable insights and experiences to further fuel my aspirations in this field.” The curriculum covered various topics, including fundamental analysis, market conditions, and portfolio construction, providing a holistic understanding of financial principles. Under the guidance of seasoned professionals and industry experts, these sessions offered a critical look into the workings of financial markets. Guest speakers brought real-world expertise to the table, enriching discussions and offering practical perspectives on investment strategies and market dynamics. 

The program started with introductory sessions by Dr. Michael Kouchakdjian, director of EPIC and professor in AUA’s Manoogian Simone College of Business and Economics. He led sessions focusing on fundamental finance principles, the basics of investing, and the importance of economic trends and news flow. His expertise provided students with a solid foundation in financial theory and practice, setting the stage for deeper exploration into finance.

During the program, students had the opportunity to conduct online sessions with Anna Bruno, an expert from the U.S. She is a seasoned finance professional with over two decades of experience with companies such as Salomon Smith Barney, Citi, and AXA, offering indispensable insights into money psychology, portfolio diversification, and financial planning. She is the founder of the Thrive Armenia Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that envisions a flourishing and prosperous Armenia blossoming in both economic and technological advancements. Reflecting on her experience with InvestEd, Bruno commented: “The program has provided valuable opportunities for students to enhance their knowledge and skills in these areas. I am impressed by the dedication and enthusiasm of the individuals participating in the program. I believe that financial literacy and knowing how to invest are crucial in today’s economic environment and critical for a person’s ability to save and grow their wealth.”

Moving on throughout the journey, Dr. Lena Sessian, a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and esteemed member of the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), enriched the program with her knowledge of accounting and finance. With experience teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels at AUA, Dr. Sessian brought a practical perspective to financial analysis and management.

Another exciting topic, risk management, was covered by Alisa Chalakhyan, lead organizer of EPIC’s Pre-Incubation program, STRIVE, and an alumna of Columbia University with a Master of Science degree in enterprise risk management. During her sessions, students gained a deeper understanding of risk assessment and mitigation strategies, essential skills in navigating the volatile landscape of financial markets. “Risks are some of the hardest pills to swallow when talking about investments. I was very excited to have an interesting and illuminating conversation with the attendees. Most importantly, the students surprised me with their awareness and interest in such complex topics at this early stage in their learning, which makes me believe InvestED was created for the right group at the right time,” Chalakhyan said.

Exploring Investments Through Simulation: The Stock Market Game™

The Stock Market Game™ by the SIFMA Foundation is a dynamic simulation platform designed to impart financial literacy and investment strategies to students. This innovative tool serves as a virtual playground where participants can explore the intricacies of the financial markets in a risk-free environment, by acting as real-world investment bankers from Wall Street.

As soon as EPIC announced the initiative, around 60 students enrolled. However, as the Stock Market Game™ is designed for teams consisting of fewer people, in this case 10-15, InvestED program leads implemented a fair and holistic selection process to select the most dedicated and apt students. Throughout the program, participants were evaluated based on their performance in homework assignments and practical assessments. Those demonstrating strong characteristics were selected and assigned roles within the team, setting the stage for an exciting learning experience throughout the duration of the simulation.

As students step into the shoes of investors, they are challenged to contemplate how they would manage a hypothetical sum of $100,000. Through the Stock Market Game™, participants gain a fundamental understanding of investing and learn how to make their money work for them. Moreover, the game serves as a valuable educational tool, reinforcing concepts taught in finance, economics, and other university subjects. One of the players, Steven Hakupyan (BSES ’26) shared: “Investing as a cultural phenomenon is not really part of the Armenian reality. I believe InvestED is an excellent start for making a positive impact and generating interest in the topic. As a person who is planning to invest, I believe InvestED is a fantastic opportunity to acquire all the tools and learn the concepts necessary to start my journey into the investing world. The best part, I believe, is the Stock Market Game, a practical way to understand how the processes work, study the market, and do experiments without the pressure of losing any real money.”

Speaking about the vision of and future plans for InvestED, David Badalyan (BSDS ’27), one of the bright students standing behind this initiative and a STRIVE Pre-U and Incubation program alumnus, noted: “The goal is to expand the program’s reach by partnering with additional universities in Armenia. We envision enhancing the experience by inviting more industry experts to share their knowledge, thus fostering valuable networking opportunities. By acting as a conduit between eager students and seasoned professionals, we aim to ignite a passion for investment banking and facilitate meaningful connections within the financial industry.”

The Entrepreneurship and Product Innovation Center (EPIC) is a platform of the American University of Armenia (AUA) for promoting entrepreneurial education, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and startup venture incubation. EPIC provides an ecosystem for emerging entrepreneurs consisting of first-class facilities and collaborative workspace, programs and events, and a network of mentors, advisors, and investors. EPIC fosters the understanding and application of entrepreneurship in students and faculty at AUA to craft high-impact multidisciplinary ventures.

 

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AUA Extension Hosts Information Session for Prospective Applicants https://newsroom.aua.am/2024/03/15/aua-extension-hosts-information-session-prospective-applicants/ Fri, 15 Mar 2024 06:19:03 +0000 https://newsroom.aua.am/?p=62192 AUA Extension welcomed 45 high-schoolers and prospective university applicants to learn about standardized admissions exams.

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YEREVAN, Armenia On March 6, 2024, American University of Armenia (AUA) Extension welcomed 45 high-schoolers and prospective university applicants to an open information session to help them learn more about the SAT, ACT, TOEFL, and IELTS standardized exams. The internationalization of testing for university admission has led to the need for mastering test taking for success in one’s academic and professional endeavors. Considering that these tests change periodically, AUA Extension ensures that the most up-to-date information on these tests is brought to the test takers in a timely fashion.

Throughout the event, expert instructors from AUA Extension skillfully guided the young participants on the format and various sections of these exams, their content, and respective preparation techniques and strategies. The participants were very motivated and highly engaged, learning and raising additional questions and working closely with the instructors, seeking guidance on topics related to registration procedures as well as most useful study materials.

At the conclusion of the information session, students were invited to participate in a quiz that measured their individual competencies in test-taking, consequently earning AUA gifts as prizes for their correct answers

Director of AUA Extension Dr. Arpie Balian asserts that Extension is committed to periodically hosting similar sessions to share important information more widely and to provide sustained support and guidance to students navigating the complexities of standardized tests for admission to their choice university. “Our instructors are professionals highly-trained in test preparation techniques and, as such, they keep abreast of changes in the test structure and content. That’s what makes them the best trainers available in Armenia, particularly from the standpoint of growing in their students the proper competencies that deliver the best results for them,” she concludes.

AUA Extension is the non-degree educational program of the American University of Armenia (AUA), with programs especially geared to meeting the educational needs of individuals from diverse backgrounds and occupations, as well as governments and corporate organizations. AUA Extension offers a comprehensive range of courses and certificate programs, including language classes, test preparation courses, and a wide range of professional development training. Through its regional centers around Armenia, AUA Extension expands opportunities for locals to thrive and contribute to the development of their communities. Additionally, AUA Extension provides testing services on behalf of various standardized tests for college admission and exams for international professional certification.

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In(Sight) House Talks: “In Our Mountains” https://newsroom.aua.am/2024/03/13/insight-house-talks-in-our-mountains/ Wed, 13 Mar 2024 10:15:56 +0000 https://newsroom.aua.am/?p=62003 Anna Andreasyan delved into the relationships between gender, space, voice, and visibility in her grandmother’s village.

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YEREVAN, Armenia On February 15, the Akian Art Gallery at the American University of Armenia (AUA) hosted the second In(Sight) House Talks series event featuring University alumna Anna Andreasyan’s (BAEC ’23) research project, “In Our Mountains.” The series is a part of a larger initiative, Oral History Matters, which aims to amplify the importance of oral history as a research methodology. In(Sight) House Talks spotlights ten oral history-based capstone projects from the In(Sight) House exhibition, which took place earlier in August 2023.

The talk presented Andreasyan’s research about her grandmother’s village of Hazarjrib, where she lived for 25 years before repatriating to Armenia from Iran. The project explored her grandmother’s memories of her village and delved deep into the relationships between gender, space, voice, and visibility there. During the event, Andreasyan recounted her journey of working with her grandmother on different aspects of her stories and how the research became a collaborative process for both of them. The speech was followed by the screening of her film and a Q&A session. 

Andreasyan described her project as a reconstruction of a lived experience that explored her grandmother’s relationship with a place and how, through storytelling, that relationship was passed down to her. 

Andreasyan’s research attempts to contribute to studies on Iranian-Armenian women whose lives have, as she puts it, been overlooked or, at best, been told from an outsider’s perspective. In sharing a woman’s story, she aims to give visibility and voice to those who have been silenced and deprived of their right to be visible. Her research is grounded in feminist methodology, as it tries to shed light on a woman’s story that would otherwise go undocumented and would not be reflected upon.

A segment of Andreasyan’s artist statement reads: “As my grandmother’s voice guides the film and tells the stories of her village, the project defies the patriarchal norms that she describes. The voice that was once supposed to be silent is now the one who gets to narrate. It becomes the channel through which we gain insight into her village life and her subjective experiences of that place.”

The talk opened up a space for discussion on how research can become a collaborative work, where the boundaries between the researcher and the “researched” become blurry and, at times, reversed. It also highlighted the importance of oral history as a qualitative research method and a methodology for anti-oppressive and feminist research.

Oral History Matters seeks to dismantle dominant research practices by bringing oral history to the forefront and challenging conventional narratives.

In(Sight) House was an exhibition that spotlighted the capstone projects of ten students from the English and Communications department, each of whom delved into oral history to explore and narrate stories that resonate deeply with the human experience. The Akian Gallery underwent a transformation during the In(Sight) House exhibition, becoming a symbolic house where each room was dedicated to showcasing the work of a different student. This creative approach allowed visitors to step into the world of each student’s research and experience the diverse stories firsthand.

Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values. 

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AUA Hosts Lecture on Late-Ottoman Armenian Philosophers https://newsroom.aua.am/2024/03/11/aua-hosts-lecture-late-ottoman-armenian-philosophers/ Mon, 11 Mar 2024 10:14:11 +0000 https://newsroom.aua.am/?p=61908 Can Erzurumluoğlu focused on four late-Ottoman thinkers who wrote philosophical essays following the emerging positivist tradition in Europe.

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YEREVAN, Armenia — On February 26, the American University of Armenia (AUA) hosted a lecture by Can Erzurumluoğlu titled “19th-Century Ottoman Armenian Philosophers.” The lecture was held in Western Armenian and moderated by Dr. Hrag Papazian, assistant professor of anthropology at AUA.

Erzurumluoğlu’s presentation focused on four late-Ottoman thinkers who wrote philosophical essays following the emerging positivist tradition in Europe: Yeghia Demirdjibashian, Kalousd Gosdantian, Krikor Mserian, and Andon Madatya Karakashian. The lecture discussed how these intellectuals contributed to the spread of Western philosophical ideas among Armenians through the philosophy textbooks they wrote, which were then used in Armenian schools in Constantinople; how their efforts were received by others, including the clergy, in the Armenian community; and how they have been completely ignored in existing accounts of the history of philosophical thought in the Ottoman Empire.

Erzurumluoğlu is a Ph.D. candidate in the History Department at Caen University in France, where he conducts research on Armenian positivist thinkers in the Ottoman Empire. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the Mathematics Department of Mimar Sinan University in Istanbul and a master’s degree from the Philosophy Department of Galatasaray University, from which he graduated with a thesis titled “Une comparaison critique de la conception de l’espace chez Leibniz et chez Kant” (A Critical Comparison of the Conception of Space among Leibniz and Kant). Erzurumluoğlu completed part of his master’s studies as an exchange student at Sorbonne University in Paris during the 2014-15 academic year. He has published in both Western Armenian and Turkish. 

The lecture was followed by a lively Q&A session and discussion with attending AUA students and faculty.

Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.

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AUA Acopian Center Co-Organizes Workshop at GFCM Fish Forum 2024  https://newsroom.aua.am/2024/03/01/aua-acopian-workshop-gfcm-fish-forum-2024/ Fri, 01 Mar 2024 12:43:43 +0000 https://newsroom.aua.am/?p=61771 The workshop aimed to showcase innovative solutions and technologies in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. 

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ANTALYA, Turkiye In a collaborative effort to promote sustainable fisheries management, the American University of Armenia (AUA) Acopian Center for the Environment, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the United Nations Environment Programme Mediterranean Action Plan Specially Protected Areas Regional Activity Centre (UNEP MAP SPA/RAC) organized a joint workshop during the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) Fish Forum 2024. The workshop, titled “Smart tools and digital twins of the ocean: unlocking data access for evidence-based policy making for sustainable fisheries management,” aimed to showcase innovative solutions and technologies in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. 

AUA Assistant Professor and AUA Acopian Center aquatic ecologist Dr. Garabet Kazanjian delivered a presentation on the EU Horizon 2020 funded Iliad Digital Twins of the Ocean, in which the AUA Acopian Center has a key role. Dr. Kazanjian emphasized the potential of digital twins to revolutionize the monitoring, visualization, and analysis of ocean and fisheries data. He highlighted how the Iliad platform can assist policymakers and public authorities in ensuring compliance with regulations, as well as in forecasting the impact of various scenarios on fish stocks and marine ecosystems.

Following Dr. Kazanjian’s presentation, four Iliad pilots related to the fisheries and aquaculture sectors presented their prototype solutions, providing attendees with real-world examples of how the Iliad platform can be utilized to address challenges in the industry and promote sustainability.

The workshop also featured testimonies from fishers who have been already using the aforementioned tools, sharing their positive experiences with the public and highlighting the practical impacts of digital tools on the daily operations of fisheries and aquaculture activities.

The workshop concluded with a lively discussion among participants which included policymakers, researchers, project managers, and fishers on data sharing, interoperability of parallel efforts, building trust with fishing communities, and policy compliance. The event underscored the importance of collaboration between academia, international organizations, and industry stakeholders in driving innovation and sustainability in the fisheries sector.

The Iliad project is part of the European Union Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation program and aims at establishing an interoperable, data-intensive, and cost-effective Digital Twins of the Ocean. The successful workshop served as a testament to the commitment of the AUA Acopian Center and the Iliad consortium to advancing sustainable fisheries management through the use of cutting-edge technologies and digital solutions.

In addition to the presentations on the Iliad platform, the FAO team introduced the newly developed Calipseo Information System. This system provides national authorities with a comprehensive tool for reporting and analyzing fish landings, further enhancing the ability of policymakers to make informed decisions.

The AUA Acopian Center for the Environment, a research center of the American University of Armenia (AUA), promotes the protection and restoration of the natural environment through research, education, and community outreach. The AUA Acopian Center’s focus areas include sustainable natural resource management, biodiversity protection and conservation, greening the built environment, sustainable energy, as well as information technology and the environment. Visit http://ace.aua.am.

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Journalist Sohrab Ahmari Delivers Lecture at AUA https://newsroom.aua.am/2024/02/23/journalist-sohrab-ahmari-lecture-aua/ Fri, 23 Feb 2024 11:17:33 +0000 https://newsroom.aua.am/?p=61634 The event, which was also attended by students in AUA's Media and Society course, was organized by AUA’s Media Lab and The Armenia Project.

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YEREVAN, Armenia — On February 22, students in the American University of Armenia’s (AUA) Media and Society course taught by College of Humanities and Social Sciences Lecturer Maria Titizian attended a lecture by journalist Sohrab Ahmari, founder and editor of Compact Magazine and the U.S. columnist for The New Statesman. The event was made possible by AUA’s Media Lab and The Armenia Project.

Born in Iran, Ahmari immigrated to the United States with his family at 14. He developed an interest in journalism following the Iranian Green Movement, a passion which eventually landed him a job as a columnist and editor with the Wall Street Journal opinion pages and later as op-ed editor of the New York Post. His writing has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The New Republic, The Atlantic, The Spectator, Chronicle of Higher Education, Times Literary Supplement, Commentary, and Dissent, among many others. Ahmari has also authored a number of books, including include Tyranny, Inc.: How Private Power Crushed American Liberty — and What To Do About It (2023) and The Unbroken Thread: Discovering the Wisdom of Tradition in an Age of Chaos (2021), both published by Penguin Random House.

After detailing his path to journalism, Ahmari delved into two central topics: the crisis of misinformation in the West an issue which also affects Armenia and Armenia’s struggle to tell its story on the international stage. Regarding the former subject matter, Ahmari pointed to the rise of Twitter and similar social media platforms that often disseminate decontextualized media and have become a primary source of news for the public, rather than established newspapers and magazines with strict standards and guardrails against false information. 

Ahmari cited two factors that have contributed to this phenomenon. The first is the failure of mainstream institutions, which have all adopted a uniform ideology that colors their reporting and has caused them to lose the trust of a swath of the general public that does not share these views. On a more practical level, the internet has disrupted the large-scale circulation of traditional physical media, causing these organizations to struggle financially in the face of free, easy-access information that is often of questionable veracity.

As Ahmari has been writing about issues affecting the country since 2018’s Velvet Revolution, he reflected on Armenia’s effectiveness in publicizing the truth about the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in international media, especially in the face of Azerbaijan’s extensive lobbying efforts, which have allowed the country to shape the narrative. 

“Unfortunately, the September war in Artsakh received maybe 48 hours of coverage in the media,” he explained. “Now that this issue can’t be pegged to the news cycle anymore, you have to do in-depth work to refresh this topic. Now is the time to consider how you can tell the story of a relatively small country in a chaotic global environment and for an audience in a country that is enmeshed in its own domestic problems.” 

Ahmari suggested a three-pronged approach to helping Armenia build institutional capacity and influence in the media landscape. He emphasized the importance of consolidating the efforts of local Armenians; affluent Diaspora communities, which, he argued, have not been mobilized to their full potential; and non-Armenian friends of the nation in systematically cultivating talent internationally and creating an ecosystem of groups working cohesively. “Sometimes, justice needs a little help,” he added.

Following the presentation, Ahmari opened the floor for questions from the audience. He fielded questions about overcoming the perception from outsiders that Armenians writing about the Artsakh conflict are inherently biased, the source of political and cultural polarization, and the future of journalism in an increasingly online world oriented toward virality and speed.

Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.

About The Armenia Project: The Armenia Project (TAP) is an educational non-profit that promotes the democratic and economic development of Armenia by advancing the country’s communications ecosystem, ensuring it is robust, accurate and impactful. Through strategic programs and diverse partnerships, TAP raises global awareness about Armenia and the region.

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MPA and MAIRD Host Discussion on Finland’s Membership in NATO https://newsroom.aua.am/2024/02/21/mpa-maird-discussion-finland-membership-nato/ Wed, 21 Feb 2024 06:05:01 +0000 https://newsroom.aua.am/?p=61308 The talk featured the University of Helsinki's Professor Henrik Meinander, who was visiting Armenia to present his book “History of Finland.”

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YEREVAN, Armenia — On February 14, the American University of Armenia (AUA) Master of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy (MAIRD) and Master of Public Affairs (MPA) programs hosted a discussion titled “Finland’s Membership in NATO and a New Security Paradigm.” The event featured Professor Henrik Meinander from the University of Helsinki, as well as MPA Program Chair and Assistant Professor Dr. Uros Prokic and MAIRD Program Chair and Associate Professor Dr. Asbed Kotchikian. 

Professor Meinander visited Armenia for a short period of time with the aim of presenting his book “History of Finland,” which was translated into Armenian by NewMag publishing house. The book has been translated into 16 languages.

During his visit to AUA, Professor Meinander discussed the journey of Finland before joining NATO; its close relations with the Organization since the 1990s; its relations with Russia, with which the country has the longest border; and Finald’s official membership in NATO. Among others, the event was attended by the Ambassador of the Republic of Finland to the Republic of Armenia (residence in Helsinki), H.E. Ms. Kirtsi Narinen; the Honorary Consul of Finland in Yerevan, Mr. Timothy David Straight; and other diplomats from Finland. 

Professor Meinander’s talk was followed by a Q&A discussion, during which AUA students and faculty had the opportunity to expand on various points and seek further elaboration on several topics covered by the Professor. Questions posed by the attendees included the response of Finnish society when NATO member Turkey reacted against that membership, thoughts on the growing number of NATO members, and whether Finald’s decision on NATO membership was a precaution, prediction, or overreaction. The audience also discussed the progress of Nordic cooperations, Finland as a small state, and the maneuvering of small states in international organizations. 

The Master of Public Affairs program gives students the analytical, policy, administrative, and leadership skills needed to make an impact on Armenian society and beyond. Public organizations need grounded leaders who recognize that policy challenges are fluid, interconnected, and global. Hence, MPA students are taught how to ask and answer relevant political questions, how to design policy solutions to public problems, and how to administer those solutions with skilled leadership and management appropriate to public, private, and nonprofit organizations. The program provides a substantive focus on development policy, strategy, and leadership – all essential to advancing the prosperity and stability of Armenia.

The Master of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy (MAIRD) is a year and a half degree program designed to prepare students with the necessary knowledge and tools required for careers in global service within governmental, non-governmental, and international organizations. Using an interdisciplinary approach to critically assess and examine changing dimensions of international governance and diplomacy, this degree equips students with the relevant conceptual frameworks, robust methodologies and innovative problem-solving skills to address the most pressing challenges of regional and global politics.

Media Coverage:

[Newmag] Ֆինն պատմաբան Հենրիկ Մեյնանդերն այցելել է Հայաստանի ամերիկյան համալսարան (լուսանկարներ)

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EPIC Incubation Program Wraps Up Fall 2023 Batch With Pitch Event https://newsroom.aua.am/2024/02/12/epic-incubation-program-wraps-up-fall-2023-batch-pitch-event/ Mon, 12 Feb 2024 11:32:02 +0000 https://newsroom.aua.am/?p=61046 Eight teams presented their startups following a 15-week cycle of idea validation, customer discovery, and business model validation.

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4 min read

YEREVAN, Armenia The new year at the Entrepreneurship and Product Innovation Center (EPIC) at the American University of Armenia (AUA) kicked off with bustling energy and excitement. While the EPIC leadership team began reviewing applications for the 14th batch of the EPIC Incubation Program in Spring 2024, the Fall 2023 cohort startups celebrated their graduation on February 8 with a lively Graduation Pitch Day. During the event, eight teams seized the opportunity to present their startups, which had undergone a 15-week cycle of idea validation, customer discovery, and business model validation. Throughout the intensive Incubation Program, teams engaged in weekly sessions, collaborated with top industry professionals, conducted numerous customer interviews, and received personalized mentorship from both local and international experts. Startup co-founders exhibited unwavering motivation and persistence, yielding successful outcomes that included securing demo users and signing initial contracts with early adopters.

The 13th batch notably distinguished itself through the inclusion of experienced early-career professionals trying to build startups, whose wealth of experience enriched the program and elevated the overall learning journey for all the startup teams in the cohort.

One such individual was Tigran Akulyan, co-founder of Zont LLC and retail head of Glovo in Armenia, who brought international experience, including a tenure at Amazon as a problem manager. Zont LLC facilitates connections between brick-and-mortar retailers and online shoppers, offering same-day doorstep delivery and an intuitive e-commerce experience through a fashion delivery app. Reflecting on his experience in the Incubation Program, Akulyan remarked, “Though challenging, the journey proved undeniably rewarding. Before Incubation, our grasp of startup dynamics was limited, but the Program provided a deep dive into essential elements for success. We honed our discipline, time management, and efficiency, delving into vital concepts like hypothesis testing and lean canvas. EPIC motivated us to refine our minimum viable product, yielding promising results as we prepare for our final product launch. Additionally, the Program enhanced my pitching skills, an area in which I previously struggled. Moreover, the 15-week journey fostered valuable networking opportunities, forging lasting connections within a community of like-minded individuals, mentors, and industry experts.”

Another standout co-founder was Hrach Avagyan, co-founder and CEO of HydraLab LLC, a software development company established in 2016. With nearly a decade of experience in software development, Hrach has collaborated with leading companies in Armenia, including Digitain. “As a team of people already experienced in building a business in the IT industry (Hydralab LLC), we came to Incubation with the goal of developing our startup journey with Tokenvest. More importantly, however, EPIC taught us an entrepreneurial mindset and how to build an entrepreneurial business with a growth mandate. The Incubation Program’s impact on my quality of life was tremendous: it helped me improve my strategic thinking and optimized my decision-making, patience, and motivation to work hard toward big goals. Thanks to EPIC’s coaching and mentorship, we saved a huge amount of time by moving in the direction that we needed,” shared Avagyan.

The Program’s highlights also featured prominent speakers who graced the sessions with invaluable insights. Among them was Rem Darbinyan, founder and CEO of ViralMango and SmartClick, a distinguished member of the Forbes Technology Council, and a seasoned venture capital (VC) investor and AI Innovation Advisor. During Darbinyan’s HackNight session, participants delved into the intricacies of startup failures and gained practical knowledge on how to circumvent common pitfalls. Additionally, the marketing session led by Hamlet Azarian, founder and CEO of Azarian Growth Agency, proved instrumental. With over two decades of experience driving growth for international businesses, including venture-backed startups, Azarian shared strategies for attracting potential customers and offered insights from real-life success and failure cases in growth marketing. This session served as a vital introduction to the marketing realm for Incubation’s early-stage startups, underscoring its importance in the journey toward startup success at any stage.

Another notable aspect of the Program was the wealth of experience brought by mentors, many of whom boasted impressive international backgrounds and years of entrepreneurial experience. 

Culminating the comprehensive Incubation Program for early-stage startups, participants presented their refined ideas at the Graduation Pitch event, which was filled to capacity with entrepreneurs, investors from local angel and VC groups, and other prominent figures from Armenia’s bustling startup ecosystem. Teams confidently pitched their ideas and engaging in insightful Q&A sessions with the audience. Following the pitching session, attendees attended a reception that fostered informal conversations and networking. The gathering provided a platform for interested parties to delve deeper into the Incubation startups, explore prospects for collaboration, offer guidance, and discuss potential investment opportunities, fostering a spirit of innovation and collaboration within Armenia’s vibrant startup community.

Reflecting on the successful completion of the 13th batch of the Incubation Program, EPIC Director Dr. Michael Kouchakdjian remarked, “I am proud of all the teams, who worked very hard to advance their startups. Most gratifying was the evolution of teams composed of AUA undergrads, some of whom were first-year students who had developed an interest in entrepreneurship before matriculating at AUA through EPIC’s STRIVE Pre-U program for graduating high-school seniors.”

The graduating startups have now become integral members of the broader EPIC family. Some of the graduating teams that achieved traction and customer acceptance were invited to continue working in EPIC facilities in order to refine their business models and build prototypes while receiving ongoing support and mentorship from the Center. Moreover, select standout startups will have the opportunity to pitch again during EPIC’s annual Demo Day in June, where startups will compete to receive cash prizes. This extended support underscores EPIC’s commitment to nurturing the growth and success of Armena’s startup community beyond the confines of the Incubation Program.

The Entrepreneurship and Product Innovation Center (EPIC) is a platform of the American University of Armenia (AUA) for promoting entrepreneurial education, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and startup venture incubation. EPIC provides an ecosystem for emerging entrepreneurs consisting of first-class facilities and collaborative workspace, programs and events, and a network of mentors, advisors, and investors. EPIC fosters the understanding and application of entrepreneurship in students and faculty at AUA to craft high-impact multidisciplinary ventures.

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