AUA Hosts Seminar on Genetics and Epigenetics in Modern Medicine

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YEREVAN, Armenia — On July 19, the American University of Armenia (AUA) Turpanjian College of Health Sciences Visiting Professor Dr. Roza Selimyan gave a public lecture on “The Role of Genetics and Epigenetics in Modern Medicine.” The event was part of a series of educational seminars initiated by the Entrepreneurs in Health program. 

In her talk, Dr. Selimyan delved into the human genome’s evolution and organization, as well as the significant impact of the Human Genome Project on advancing modern medicine and science. She also spoke about the concept of epigenetics and the study of changes in gene function not caused by DNA sequence alterations. This new field of research, along with genetics and molecular biology, enables the prediction of certain diseases before their onset and the adoption of a prevention-driven approach that holds the potential to save millions of lives.

Achievements in modern medicine would have been impossible without the tremendous progress achieved in science. The 20th century explosion of scientific and technological advancements in genetics ignited transformative developments in medicine. The rapid evolution of epigenetics has further influenced modern medicine, allowing a deeper understanding of the roles of genetic inheritance and environment in health and disease. These advancements also allow us to have not only more accurate diagnoses but also more effective prevention and treatment protocols.

Dr. Selimyan is the executive director of Academic Affairs and Educational Resources in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She is also an adjunct senior lecturer at the Johns Hopkins Krieger School of Arts and Sciences and a visiting professor at the American University of Armenia. Roza Selimyan earned her Ph.D. in molecular biology from the University of Rostock (Germany) and her master’s degree in genetics from Yerevan State University (Armenia). Her areas of expertise include epigenetics, cancer, and aging, among others. Dr. Selimyan is an active advocate of health (with an emphasis on prevention), science, and education.

The Entrepreneurs in Health (EIH) program is funded by the Turpanjian Family Educational Foundation. Its aim is to improve access to quality health services in rural communities of Armenia, Artsakh, and Javakhk through the introduction of advanced technologies and innovative approaches to support healthcare professionals in developing private health practices.

The AUA Turpanjian College of Health Sciences works actively to improve population health and health services in Armenia and the region through interdisciplinary education and development of health professionals to be leaders in public health, nursing, health services research and evaluation, and health care delivery and management.