Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Arsen Gasparyan

4 min read

Dr. Arsen Gasparyan’s academic and professional journey began at Yerevan State University, where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology. Inspired by transformative field training experiences at a field station near Hankavan, Armenia, he developed a deeper connection to nature and a commitment to scientific research. This passion led him to pursue a Ph.D. at Freie Universität Berlin, supported by a DAAD scholarship, where he conducted research at the Berlin Botanical Garden and Museum. Returning to Armenia, Dr. Gasparyan joined World Wildlife Fund Armenia as a conservation officer, recognizing the need to bridge scientific research with conservation policy. In 2020, he transitioned to the Institute of Botany at the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia, establishing a research group focused on lichen and fungal diversity and later serving as the institute’s director for three years. Now, as an assistant professor at the American University of Armenia (AUA) Zaven P. and Sonia Akian College of Science and Engineering and a biodiversity researcher at the AUA Acopian Center for the Environment, Dr. Gasparyan embarks on the next phase of his impactful career.

What motivated you to join AUA, and how do you envision contributing to its academic and research community?

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to co-teach a course at AUA and engage as a biodiversity expert in environmental projects at the AUA Acopian Center for the Environment. Though brief, the experience introduced me to AUA’s academic environment and sparked my interest in teaching. When the opportunity to apply for the position of assistant professor of environmental biology arose, I embraced the challenge, eager to engage students in research and contribute to AUA’s academic growth.

I see significant potential to expand research capacity at AUA, particularly with the establishment of the AUA Advanced Biology, Life, and Environmental Sciences Lab, funded by a USAID grant. Importantly, I find the team of the AUA Acopian Center an important asset at the University to expand and deepen my research. This presents a fantastic opportunity for me, as both a biologist and conservationist, to conduct research while mentoring students. While teaching is important, it remains incomplete without research. In STEM fields, research is never a solitary effort — it requires teamwork and collaboration. I believe AUA should evolve into a research-driven university, and my goal is to contribute to fostering a research culture here.

What sparked your initial interest in biodiversity and the natural world?

My early experiences in the field during university field practices, and later as a laboratory assistant, were pivotal. Studying nature cannot be confined to the classroom; one must engage with it directly in the field. Through fieldwork, I not only deepened my understanding of biological research but also gained valuable insights into Armenia’s biodiversity, ecosystems, and landscapes.

Can you describe a moment in your fieldwork or research that deeply impacted you personally or professionally?

One of the most defining moments in my career was when I discovered a new species. The realization that I had found an organism previously unknown was truly incredible. Discovering a species is a rare privilege; it almost feels like playing the role of a creator. In fact, my European colleagues later named a species of lichen after me — Ramalina arsenii. That was a particularly proud moment for me.

What were some of the early challenges you faced as a researcher and what challenges do you face today?

As a young scientist, one of my biggest challenges was finding funding opportunities. In the early stages of my career, securing travel grants or research funding was highly competitive. Today, there are more opportunities for young researchers.

Attracting young talent to the sciences and inspiring students to pursue research careers remains a key challenge for scholars like me. Science requires a long-term commitment — years of education and research — and many young people today are deterred by the lengthy process. My goal is to foster interest in scientific research and mentor the next generation of scientists in Armenia.

What are the main areas of focus in your current research?

My primary research focuses on lichen and fungal diversity, phylogenetics, and ecology. I lead a research group at the Institute of Botany at the Armenian National Academy of Sciences dedicated to these areas. In addition, I work on broader conservation issues, including protected areas and forest conservation.

Currently, I am involved in developing Armenia’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. I also collaborate with colleagues from Germany, Italy, and the United States on various projects. We have several ongoing research papers, including one on newly discovered lichen and fungal species in Armenia, which I hope to publish soon.

Another area of interest is the use of fungi in biotechnology. For example, fungal-based materials are being developed as alternatives to leather, packaging, and even meat substitutes. There are many exciting possibilities in this field, and I am eager to explore them further. I am working with my colleagues at the AUA Acopian Center to deepen this work.

What courses do you teach at AUA? What do you hope your students take away from your courses and interactions with you as a professor?

I am currently teaching a course on biology and ecosystems for the Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Sustainability Sciences. It covers fundamental biological concepts while also examining how human activity impacts ecosystems at different levels — from cells to entire populations and communities. Additionally, my colleagues and I are designing a new course for students interested in biodiversity conservation.

I strongly believe that students should be actively involved in research. Environmental and sustainability sciences should focus on policy while fostering hands-on scientific research. My goal is to engage students in real-world research projects, provide them with practical experience, and help them develop as future scientists.