Ever wondered how many pieces are part of a bike? On one extraordinary evening filled with laughter, music, and sweat, I found the answer to my question: “12.” The same 12 months, the 12 signs of the zodiac, 12 seasons of the year, and the 12 stations of the Moon and of the Sun. Funny enough, I was 12 as well. Could this mean something?

Growing up in Yerevan, Armenia, I was a curious kid who always wanted to understand how the world worked, from how ants metabolized what they ate to why the planets are placed in the order that they are. My fascination began with simple things—disassembling gadgets, experimenting with remote-controlled cars, and asking endless questions about the world around me. Through the storytelling of my Grandma, who taught me about Armenian scientists from Raymond Vahan Damadian, the creator of MRI, to Viktor Hambardzumyan, one of the founders of theoretical astrophysics, my curiosity grew into a passion when I realized that these are people who spend their lives asking these questions and finding their answers. This exploration was the spark that ignited my dream of becoming a Biomedical Scientist.

Much like a bike, where each part has a distinct role in its overall function, every element of education and research in STEM is crucial for the advancement of science and technology. However, as I grew older, reality set in. Despite its rich history and cultural heritage, Armenia faced significant challenges in the fields of education, particularly with science and technology. The opportunities for advanced education and research were limited, and the job market was not conducive to fostering innovation. Talented individuals were leaving the country in search of better prospects abroad, a phenomenon known as “brain drain.” The Artsakh War further highlighted the absence of adequate scientific education and resources. While involved with the Transparent Armenia Charitable Foundation, where I provided victims with emotional support as well as food, supplies, and placement for homes, I felt firsthand the critical need for education in our country. The thought of contributing to the international scientific community and putting Armenia on the map in this vast industry seemed impossible with the little resources and opportunities present to me. However, it also kept me awake at night…

Determined to overcome these challenges, I concluded that the key to overcoming Armenia’s educational obstacles lay in obtaining a robust education myself. My journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Cell Biology and Bioinformatics in Fall 2022. I looked back at my brother and mother one last time in Armenia with a heavy heart before walking into the terminal to board my plane. I did not know what difficulties but amazing opportunities lay ahead for me in San Diego. From financial difficulties, internship offers, learning new cultures, and adjusting to this new community, this program and city would provide me with a solid foundation in life sciences, offering deep insights into how progressive modern science is and how impactful it can be in any aspect of human endeavor. This knowledge would be instrumental in addressing the challenges hindering Armenia’s scientific and technological sectors as it also helps to understand the scientific ecosystem as a whole. This opportunity to give back to the country I had grown up in was my main motivator.

Like the interconnected parts of a bike that work together to move forward, I have slowly paved my path for this ambitious mission by immersing myself in entrepreneurial initiatives and different scientific projects. From Healthlink as an executive board member, where we create fostering networking opportunities and connections within the biotechnology field, to research done on cancer-causing genetic mutations as a research assistant at Ideker Lab, and my internship at Persperion Diagnostics, where we designed non-invasive glucose monitors which were better than the available blood-based alternatives – these have been only some of my endeavors to gain hands-on experience in building companies and leading teams. These experiences taught me invaluable lessons about innovation, resilience, and leadership. I learned how to navigate the complexities of project management, develop business strategies, and foster a collaborative environment with my mission in mind every step of the way.

During my first year, I interned at Scripps Research, where I conducted research in the Department of Neuroscience. There, I had the incredible opportunity to witness the work of Armenian Nobel Prize winner Ardem Patapoutian. Learning about Dr. Patapoutian’s immigrant background and his journey from Lebanon to becoming a distinguished scientist in the United States and earning the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2021 was profoundly inspiring. His dedication, resilience, and groundbreaking contributions to the field motivated me to pursue a deeper career in biomedical sciences. Dr. Patapoutian taught me that Science is what unites people around the same goal of moving progress and making people’s lives better despite any personal or background differences they might share. Later that year, I met Dr. Ruben Abagyan, Professor and Researcher at the UC San Diego School of Pharmacy. Under his mentorship, I was able to learn about the field of pharmacology and drug informatics, as well as the whole process of drug discovery studies. Witnessing firsthand the impact of his research and understanding the challenges he overcame solidified my commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and innovation. His words about the hard path to success motivate me to give back to my community in the future and help nurture the next generation of scientists and leaders in Armenia to be able to keep the generosity of our youth at home.

Another particularly impactful experience that I gained was the internship at the US Department of Defense with the mission to assist in the development of programs that would help new initiatives and startups led by veterans and transitioning Navy SEALS seek funding from Venture Capital firms. These efforts also included the development of programs aimed at helping veterans fight PTSD and ensuring a smoother transition to civilian life, which many struggled with as a result of their military background. This venture not only honed my technical skills but also deepened my understanding of the real-world applications of entrepreneurship. Leading a diverse team of scientists, military personnel, and business professionals, I cultivated my leadership abilities, learning to inspire and motivate others toward a common goal.

Through this work, I gained invaluable experience in addressing complex challenges, driving innovation, and fostering a supportive environment for individuals facing significant life transitions. This experience solidified my belief in the transformative power of combining scientific expertise with entrepreneurial acumen, shaping my vision for how I can impact Armenia’s scientific landscape. Moreover, this type of initiative will be vital for the Armenian post-war community, yielding a number of genius ideas that could otherwise be overlooked or lost. By fostering an ecosystem that supports innovation and provides resources for aspiring scientists and engineers, we can ensure that Armenia’s brightest minds have the opportunity to contribute to global advancements and drive the country’s scientific and technological progress.

Like my curiosity to take apart my bike and count the pieces, my mission to foster scientific curiosity would start with educational reform. By implementing specialized STEM curricula in schools, organizing science fairs, and creating after-school programs focused on hands-on learning, we can inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers from an early age. Education is the foundation upon which future innovation is built, and empowering young minds with the tools and knowledge they need is crucial.

At the university level, I aim to spearhead advancements in Bioengineering and Life Sciences by collaborating with international institutions to ensure our programs meet global standards. Establishing state-of-the-art research facilities equipped with the latest technology will be paramount in nurturing groundbreaking discoveries. Securing funding through government grants, private investors, and international partnerships will be essential in realizing these goals.

I intend to create innovation hubs and startup incubators, providing aspiring scientists and engineers with the resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities needed to transform ideas into tangible innovations. This ecosystem will foster entrepreneurship and drive economic growth in Armenia’s life sciences sector. Professional development and international collaborations will also play a crucial role in shaping Armenia’s scientific landscape. By establishing programs that keep Armenian scientists connected with global advancements and facilitating partnerships with field leaders and international organizations, we can amplify the impact of our research and innovation efforts.

I plan to pursue a PhD in Biomedical Data Science while developing strong entrepreneurial experiences throughout my education. I will use the acquired skills, knowledge, connections, and everything else to be able to realize these plans and eventually establish a cutting-edge research institute. This institute will educate, inspire, and enable the future great achievements of Armenia, making it a world leader in the life sciences field. International collaborations and partners will be vital on this path.

The Huys Scholarship will provide the financial support necessary to turn these aspirations into reality. With this support, I will leverage my future career, professional connections, and experiences to collaborate with stakeholders across academia, industry, and international organizations. Together, we will elevate Armenia’s standing in the global life sciences industry, creating a multitude of opportunities for future generations and driving innovation that positively impacts society.

I am aware that Huys Foundation is granting the Huys Scholarship to me with the anticipation of my good faith pursuit and implementation of the projects and undertakings described in this letter, to which I hereby commit.