AUA and WPI Students Conclude Their Study-Abroad with Project Presentations

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YEREVAN, Armenia — On May 3, within the scope of the fourth year of partnership between American University of Armenia (AUA) and Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), AUA and WPI students made final presentations of the projects they had worked on throughout the Spring 2023 semester. The collaborative efforts of four AUA and sixteen WPI students working in groups of four resulted in useful proposals for community-based organizations in Armenia. 

“The AUA-WPI partnership continues to bring students and faculty from both institutions together to address problems right here in Armenia,” remarked AUA Dean of General Education Dr. Sharistan Melkonian, adding, “Guided by faculty, students worked collaboratively to question and research real issues that impact our communities.”

Several of this year’s projects built upon work completed in previous years, including a) two projects with the Armenian EyeCare Project: the first aimed at increasing awareness of parent education through topical workshops, and the second, implementing an image management software for use by the organization; b) developed solutions to heat greenhouses without the need of external power to enhance food security in Artsakh with the Armenia Tree Project; c) evaluated the usefulness of the Poverty Stoplight survey tool in Armenia through World Vision Armenia; and d) investigated duckweed as a feasible solution for phytoremediation of Lake Sevan’s tributaries through a pilot project partnered with the AUA Acopian Center for the Environment. 

Though the presentations were made on site at AUA, some attendees followed online from abroad. Among them were the founder of WPI’s Armenia Project Center, one of the initiators of the AUA-WPI partnership, as well as WPI adjunct instructor and director of the WPI Armenia Project Center Professor Michael Aghajanian.“The work performed by the AUA-WPI student teams will provide a meaningful impact in Armenia. The students should be very proud of what they have accomplished. I am grateful to our sponsors, Armenian Eye Care Project, Armenia Tree Project, World Vision Armenia, and the AUA Acopian Center for the Environment for arranging such significant projects and for the guidance they provided to our students. Lastly, I am very pleased with the collaboration between WPI and AUA that has been mutually beneficial for both universities, but most importantly, it provided a great learning experience for the students,” Professor Aghajanian remarked.

Students began their projects in early January at WPI, and continued their field work in Armenia, in March. Throughout the entire process, WPI Associate Professor and faculty advisor Dr. Aaron Sakulich and AUA adjunct lecturer and faculty advisor Norayr Ben Ohanian guided the students and provided feedback on their progress. Reflecting on the students’ work, Dr. Sakulich mentioned, “Not being able to travel during the pandemic really underscored the importance of cultural exchange for me. It was great to finally see WPI and AUA students working together, first in the U.S. and then in Armenia, with local partners. I know that the students learned a great deal, not just about project work, but about Armenia and Armenian culture. I look forward to returning.” In his turn, Ben Ohanian noted, “The students from WPI and AUA did some great work and, very importantly, I hope that this was a good learning experience for them.”

The experience the students gained from their participation in the program was a part of their degree coursework. Diana Sargsyan (BSCS ‘23) recalled that working in a culturally diverse environment helped her broaden her worldview. “Participating in the AUA WPI program in 2022-23 was a life-changing experience for me. Working with students worldwide allowed me to develop new skills, broaden my worldview, and build valuable connections. As an exchange student at WPI I also took advantage of the university’s unique resources and utilized my knowledge and skills to make a meaningful contribution to society,” she elaborated. The experience also taught the students how to apply their knowledge and skills to address critical societal issues in order to shape a better future. 

WPI students will return to Massachusetts with invaluable experience and positive memories from their time spent at AUA and in Armenia. Jack Yebba, one of the WPI students working on the phytoremediation project, noted, “This joint experience between WPI and AUA has been the highlight of my college career. I hope that our project’s findings can be utilized in future efforts to assist in purifying the waters of Lake Sevan and the Akhurian Reservoir.” 

Applications for Spring 2024 are now available. For questions, email [email protected].

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, graduate, and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.