AUA Appoints Dr. Kenell Touryan Vice President for Research and Development

Dr. Kenell Touryan will join the AUA faculty and staff in 2004 as Vice President for Research and Development. This is a new position created in an effort to expand AUA's applied and academic research activities. Dr. Touryan holds a Doctorate Degree in Aerospace and Mechanical Sciences from Princeton University and has worked extensively with countries of the Former Soviet Union in his capacity as Chief Technology Analyst of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Colorado. He currently manages 15 renewable energy projects with Armenia, Russia, and Ukraine, and successfully works with private industry and laboratory staff.

"We are confident that Dr. Touryan's knowledge and experience in research and research management in the field of science and technology will have a positive impact on AUA and Armenia," said President Haroutune Armenian. Six research centers provide excellent opportunities for students to acquire first-hand experience in their field through practical work with foreign and local faculty and experts. These include the Center for Business Research and Development, Engineering Research Center, Turpanjian Center for Policy Analysis, Center for Health Services Research and Development, Legal Research Center, and the Environmental Conservation and Research Center.

Through their academic work and research, AUA graduates acquire a broad set of research and problem solving tools and skills and are prepared to identify and analyze problems, make decisions, and communicate solutions, which will impact Armenia's development. Over 1100 graduates now occupy key positions in governmental agencies, foreign missions, non-governmental organizations, and private companies. Some have launched their own businesses, or pursued doctoral degrees.