Dr. Hrachya Kocharyan is an assistant professor at the American University of Armenia (AUA) Zaven P. and Sonia Akian College of Science and Engineering. Dr. Kocharyan is an experimental researcher in materials science and physics who has built an impressive academic career exploring the cutting edge of smart materials and metamaterials. With a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in the United States and a master’s degree in materials science from Tallinn University of Technology in Estonia, Dr. Kocharyan’s research spans topics such as lattice structures, micro- and nanomaterials, mechanical wave dynamics, and optical measurement techniques. His academic journey reflects a multidisciplinary approach that continues to shape his innovative contributions to the fields of materials science and engineering.
Tell us about your path. What initially drew you to your field?
I have been interested in physics since childhood — curious about how things work, how they function, and how they are made. That curiosity led me to choose physics as my major. Over time, I became fascinated with the physics of solar cells and materials science. I delved deeper into materials physics, exploring the properties of materials, how they’re made, and how their characteristics can change when modified. One thing led to another, and my interests evolved. By the time I pursued my Ph.D., I had shifted to aerospace engineering. That transition was somewhat accidental. I wanted to work on materials, and the project I joined happened to be aerospace-specific. That is how I shifted to aerospace engineering.
When did you join AUA, and what brought you to the University?
I joined AUA in the summer of 2021 as an adjunct faculty member and became an assistant professor in 2022. After completing my Ph.D., I wanted to return to Armenia to work in academia. AUA provided me with the opportunity to continue my research while transitioning back to Armenia, which was both challenging and exciting.
How do you balance your roles as a researcher and educator, and how do these roles complement each other?
I’ve been passionate about teaching for many years. During my own education, I would closely observe my instructors — what they did well and what they could improve. I often thought about how I could teach effectively if I were in their place. This curiosity led me to read extensively about education and pedagogy.
By the time I was pursuing my master’s degree, and especially during my Ph.D., I realized that balancing research and teaching is essential for an academic. Excelling in both requires careful time management. If you focus too much on teaching, research suffers; if you prioritize research, your teaching quality may decline. Striking the right balance is a constant challenge, and I’m still working to optimize it.
How would you describe your teaching philosophy?
My primary goal is to make my teaching as engaging as possible. I encourage students to ask questions, challenge me, and even argue their points. Sometimes, I intentionally make mistakes to see if they catch them. This keeps the classroom dynamic and interactive.
I also involve students in decision-making. For instance, if we are solving a problem or discussing a theory, I let the class vote on the approach or application we will focus on. I aim to bring real-world examples into the classroom to connect theory to practice, especially in engineering. It’s crucial for students to visualize how abstract concepts apply to everyday processes and technologies.
What advice would you give to students aspiring to make an impact in their fields?
I often advise students to get involved in research early, even if it’s a small project. Classroom learning is important, but hands-on research can be transformative. Starting as early as their sophomore year, students should seek opportunities to explore their interests and gain practical experience. It’s a great way to deepen their understanding and discover their passion.
Can you tell us about your most recent publications and how they contribute to their respective fields?
Recently, I worked with a student on his capstone project about hybrid rockets. His initial ideas evolved significantly as we delved deeper into the topic. Eventually, we identified a problem in the field and worked on it together, leading to a published paper in Aerospace Science and Technology. Our research on hybrid rockets proposes a controlled valve system to optimize fuel flow and engine performance, which could make hybrid rockets more viable in the future.
Another recent project focuses on climate change in Armenia. Alongside colleagues specializing in climate studies, I explored how heat waves have intensified across the country over the past 60 years. Our findings showed significant increases in temperature and heat wave intensity, especially in areas like the Ararat Valley and Yerevan. This research has practical implications for water management and agriculture in Armenia. It is published in the International Journal of Climatology.
Are there any ongoing or upcoming projects you are particularly excited about?
I’m currently involved in a few exciting projects. One focuses on auxetic metamaterials — engineered materials that do not exist in nature. These materials can absorb significant impact energy and have potential applications in protective structures, such as body armor or protective vests.
Another project is on granular materials, specifically improving simulations for irregularly shaped particles. Understanding how granular materials behave — like in avalanches or landslides — can help us design better protective structures. This work is part of a European research network, and it aims to advance our understanding of these complex materials.