AUA VP Kenell Touryan Selected to Receive NREL Technology Transfer Award

Golden, CO - Dr. Kenell Touryan, who was recently appointed as Vice President for Research and Development at the American University of Armenia and Director of the AUA Engineering Research Center, has been selected from among a very large and strong slate of qualified nominees to receive the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Technology Transfer Award on June 10, 2004. This laboratory-wide award was initiated last year, and recognizes exceptional initiative and performance in a technology transfer role. Dr. Touryan will receive the Technology Transfer Outstanding Achievement Award, which is the most prestigious of several awards in this area.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is the U.S. Department of Energy's premier laboratory for renewable energy research, development and deployment, and a leading laboratory for energy efficiency. As such, NREL is a world leader in the development of these technologies, benefiting both the environment and the economy.

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 NREL in Colorado. He currently manages 15 renewable energy projects with Armenia, Russia, and Ukraine, and has a record of outstanding achievements collaborating with private industry and laboratory staff. "We warmly congratulate Ken for this prestigious and well deserved award. He brings unparalleled technical and administrative experience to AUA's research programs, particularly in the area of renewable energy. I have no doubt that under his leadership (after he retires from NREL), AUA research centers will become even more productive," said Prof. Armen Der Kiureghian, Dean of AUA's Engineering College.