YEREVAN, Armenia — On May 6, the American University of Armenia (AUA) hosted the final project presentations of students participating in the collaborative study abroad program between AUA and Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). Held in a hybrid format with local and international guests joining both in person and online, the event marked the 7th year of the AUA-WPI partnership.
The group-based research collaboration titled The Interactive Qualifying Project (IQP) allows students to use academic knowledge and apply it to real-world problems. This year, 24 students, from which eight were from AUA, and 16 from WPI, collaborated on six interdisciplinary projects developed in partnership with various organizations across Armenia. The final presentations addressed a wide range of topics, including, Green Compass, UATE Community Outreach and Partnership Activation Toolkit for Armath Makerspaces, Evaluating the Feasibility of AI Tools for Early-Stage Technology Startups in Armenia, Raising Awareness About Corneal Donation, Subzero: A Project-Based Learning STEM Kit for the STEMAR Educational Program, and Acoustic Preservation of Ancient Armenian Architecture.
Dr. Narine Sarvazyan, William Frazer Endowed Professor at Zaven P. and Sonia Akian College of Science and Engineering, and project supervisor of “Acoustic Preservation of Ancient Armenian Architecture” said: “I want to commend the WPI-AUA team that I supervised this year. The students were smart, hardworking, and deeply enthusiastic, ultimately accomplishing far more than our original plan. Not only did they actively participate in gathering acoustic data from Geghard Monastery, but they also collected data from two additional sacred sites and four major musical venues across Armenia. Furthermore, the team created 3D digital twins of the Armenian khachkar-letters in Oshakan. The team efforts culminated in the submission of a research paper to a digital ecosystems conference in Florence, Italy. Overall, I believe that these past few months provided a highly enriching experience for the students while delivering tangible, lasting results for Armenia’s cultural heritage.”
Each project’s team brought together students from both universities, with the mentorship of faculty advisors from AUA and WPI. Beginning with preparatory coursework and collaboration at WPI in January and continuing through fieldwork and research activities in Armenia, students were guided throughout the process by Dr. Aaron Sakulich, assistant professor at WPI, and Norayr Benohanian, adjunct lecturer at AUA. The presentations were followed by a Q&A session, allowing attendees to learn more about the projects and the students’ study-abroad experience.
Reflecting on the experience WPI student Rami Rachid shared, “IQP was an unforgettable experience that broadened my perspective in many ways. From immersing myself in Armenian culture and exploring the country, to collaborating with a diverse group of students to develop solutions to real-world problems, every part of the experience was meaningful. It opened my eyes to the importance of programs like IQP and the lasting impact they can have on both personal and professional growth.”
The projects illustrated both the academic and practical dimensions of the program, connecting student research with ongoing community initiatives, and by working closely with partner organizations in Armenia, students explored real-world challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration, community engagement, and applied research.
Bringing together students from different academic and cultural backgrounds, the AUA-WPI partnership continues to create opportunities for collaborative learning through projects rooted in real community needs. Over the years, the program has supported hands-on educational experiences that encourage interdisciplinary thinking, cross-cultural exchange, and meaningful engagement with communities in Armenia.
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 (WSCUC) 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.
