YEREVAN, Armenia — The American University of Armenia (AUA) proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Wolf von Tuempling to the position of the C. Judson King Endowed Visiting Professorship for the spring 2025 semester. The Professorship, along with the William Frazer Endowed Professorship, was established through a generous contribution by the late Edward Avedisian, honoring the longtime fellow trustees with whom he served on the AUA Board of Trustees.
Dr. von Tuempling’s experience spans multiple countries and disciplines. Growing up in the former German Democratic Republic, his academic career took him through Germany’s reunification, a Ph.D. fieldwork experience in Brazil, and a postdoctoral position in Germany. He later moved to Thailand to establish an environmental laboratory for the Thai government before returning to Germany, where he has been leading the Central Laboratory for Environmental Analytics and Chemometrics at the Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research since 2000.
In 2011, he completed a “habilitation,” the highest university degree in Germany, and has been teaching environmental analytical chemistry as a private lecturer at the Friedrich Schiller University Jena since 2012. His extensive research includes contaminant fate and transport in surface waters and environmental sustainability. He has authored nearly 100 academic publications in high-impact factor journals, contributing significantly to the field of environmental science.
At AUA, Dr. von Tuempling has joined the Zaven P. and Sonia Akian College of Science and Engineering and the AUA Acopian Center for the Environment. In addition to teaching courses on chemistry for the Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Sustainability Sciences program, he will be engaged in research collaborations and sustainability initiatives with his colleagues from the AUA Acopian Center.
With vast experience working across diverse cultures and socio-economic systems, Dr. von Tuempling emphasizes the importance of adaptability and tailoring approaches to local conditions. “My experiences in different countries, including Brazil, Thailand, and Rwanda have taught me the value of understanding local perspectives and adjusting strategies to fit the context,” he says. He is open to embracing new challenges in Armenia, drawing on lessons from his global work. “While Germany’s well-equipped laboratories meet EU standards, I’ve learned that practical research goals can often be achieved through thoughtful compromises without compromising safety or data quality,” he adds, highlighting his flexible and context-driven approach to scientific work.
Dr. von Tuempling’s teaching philosophy is rooted in practical experience. “I believe students learn best when they can connect theoretical knowledge to real-world applications. For example, instead of relying solely on textbooks, I use recent scientific publications to discuss current environmental challenges and solutions. In the lab course, students also gain hands-on experience in sample preparation and basic analysis. Understanding these processes will make them better decision-makers and managers in the environmental field,” he shares.
Dr. von Tuempling is also advocating for an “action day” at AUA to raise awareness about sustainable practices on campus. “I want to empower students to think critically and take initiative,” he says. “This could involve simple steps like reducing indoor temperatures by one degree to save energy or encouraging the use of reusable coffee cups.”
As Dr. von Tuempling continues his tenure at AUA, he looks forward to further collaborations, research advancements, and partnerships with academia and industry aimed at leaving a lasting impact on the University.
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.