YEREVAN, Armenia —The American University of Armenia (AUA) is pleased to welcome Dr. Alexandr Chernyavskiy as an assistant professor in the Zaven P. and Sonia Akian College of Science and Engineering (ACSE).
Dr. Chernyavskiy received his Ph.D. from McMaster University, an M.S. in Applied Mathematics from the National Research University of Electronic Technology, and a B.S. in Information and Computer Science from the National Research University of Electronic Technology. Additionally, he had postdoctoral appointments at the University of Cape Town, University of Victoria, and SUNY Buffalo, USA.
His research focus is in applied mathematics, where he studies nonlinear waves in dispersive nonlinear PDEs inspired by quantum mechanics, nonlinear optics, and water waves applications, which he applies to his classes. “I enrich my teaching by incorporating steps from my research endeavors as relevant course problems for students,” he said.
An advocate of active learning, collaboration, and diversity in the classroom, Dr. Chernyavskiy plans his classes and assessments in an inclusive way so that students from different backgrounds can feel involved. “I strive to make the classroom a safe space where students are not afraid to ask questions and develop their critical thinking skills,” he said. “I organize group activities regularly, where students have a chance to teach others and learn from one another,” he added.
A challenge that he encountered throughout his academic career has been helping students see how abstract math applies in real life and their future careers, and he found a way to connect the two. “I address this by using practical, field-relevant examples and real-world problems, which helps to make the concepts more meaningful and engaging as much as possible,” he explained.
Dr. Chernyavskiy is excited to have joined AUA, which he describes as a “rapidly growing institution and one of the top universities in Armenia,” he said. “It is a privilege to teach the brightest students in the country and build fruitful research collaborations with world-class faculty here,” he emphasized.
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.
