Celebrating Arthur Petrosian and Narine Sarvazyan’s Contributions to AUA

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YEREVAN, Armenia ‒ On April 4, 2018, the American University of Armenia (AUA) organized a reception in Akian Gallery to recognize Dr. Arthur Petrosian’s contribution to the programs offered at the AUA Zaven & Sonia Akian College of Science and Engineering (CSE) and to celebrate Dr. Petrosian and his wife Dr. Narine Sarvazyan becoming Pillars of AUA.

“Arthur Petrosian joined us at AUA a year ago. During the short time that he headed the Computer Science Department, he made a number of important contributions. He organized a workshop on Data Science about a year ago in May, which led to an international workshop organized by FAST [The Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology]. Arthur also led the development of the Data Science (DS) program, which earlier this year was approved by WASC Senior College and University Commission and will start in the fall of 2018,” said AUA President Dr. Armen Der Kiureghian in his opening remarks.

In spring 2017, Dr. Petrosian joined AUA as the Computer Science (CS) Department Chair and a professor of Data Science and retired in December 2017. Dr. Petrosian holds an M.S. in Mathematics from Moscow State University (MSU) and a PhD in Applied Mathematics from the Institute for Problems of Informatics and Automation, the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia (NAS RA). In the 1990s he moved to the US with his family to continue his career in computer science and applied mathematics. He has authored over 70 scientific works.

“I am passionate about science and education. When the question came up of where in Armenia I can contribute my expertise in terms of developing science and education, there was no other choice. Having worked at AUA for a year made me more convinced that this is the institution that is doing a great job ‒ not just educating our kids in their professions but also providing them with the spirit of normal, good citizens of our country,” said Dr. Petrosian about why he and his wife became AUA Pillars.

An accomplished scientist in her own right, Dr. Sarvazyan holds an M.S. in biophysics summa cum laude from MSU and a PhD in biophysics from the Institute of Experimental Biology, NAS RA. In 2017 she became a Fulbright scholar at the L. A. Orbeli Institute of Physiology NAS RA while working on a project titled “Bringing Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Protocols to Armenian People.”

“People who received education at AUA value this institution very much as it made a big difference in their lives. In addition, I heard from Arthur how fair the whole process is, how inspiring the students are. So, I feel this is the best investment that we can make. We want Armenia to become better,” commented Dr. Sarvazyan on becoming an AUA Pillar.

CSE Dean Dr. Aram Hajian and CSE Adjunct Lecturer Habet Madoyan expressed their gratitude   to Dr. Petrosian acknowledging his huge investment in AUA and particularly in the development of the DS program.

During the reception the guests had the opportunity to enjoy a piano performance by Artur Avanesov, Lecturer at the College of Humanities & Social Sciences (CHSS).

Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, and affiliated with the University of California. AUA provides a global education in Armenia and the region, offering high-quality graduate and undergraduate studies, encouraging civic engagement, and promoting public service and democratic values.