The knowledge I gain at the university is key to achieving my goals - YSU student Shant Sargsyan

Shant assures that YSU provides students with knowledge in accordance with international standards, as well as skills and opportunities to apply them in the professional field. Having received education in this academic environment, he was involved in many research and organizational activities, which also opened new doors for him.

We talked with Shant Sargsyan about receiving the scholarship, his chosen profession, his research work and upcoming plans. 

- Shant, what was your path to winning the scholarship from the international organization of optics and photonics?

- The international organization of optics and photonics awards scholarships to around 70 students each year. At YSU, we have a student branch of this organization called the "YSO Student Chapter", and this is the third consecutive year that our students have received these scholarships. This year, I was lucky enough to receive this scholarship. The scholarship helps cover various study-related expenses, such as books and electronic equipment, for students from different countries.

To be honest, I applied for the scholarship with high hopes of winning the scholarship. As an applicant, membership in the international organization of optics and photonics is required and I've been the president and a member of the YSU branch of this organization for two years. Apart from that, the selection process considers academic performance, conducted scientific studies, and active social pursuits promoting popularization and and advancement of optics, photonics, and science in general. 

- Can you tell us about your work in the student branch of SPIE ("YSO Student Chapter")?

- Our branch has various functions. The first is popularizing science among schoolchildren. Throughout the year, we frequently visit schools in Yerevan and the provinces. We host students, show interesting experiments, and talk with them to help them choose a profession, as well as highlight available opportunities. We also provide insights into the work of a scientist and what the profession entails. We participate in various festivals, including the science camp held as part of the "Starmus" International Festival. Additionally, this is the second consecutive year that we are participating in the "Learn & Work" Expo held at YSU.

We are organizing seminars, webinars, and meetings at YSU. This year, "Physics and We" was held in Tsakhkadzor, with organizational work conducted by our student branch. The camp aimed to help students and schoolchildren explore practical solutions to various applied problems in physics, highlighting the significant role of science in daily life. 

Recently, we have been involved in organizing a major event: the 1st International College on Modern Applications of Optics and Photonics (MAOP2024).

- Shant, what do you think are the key factors for achieving success in the profession of physicist?

- Experience shows that students of the Physics Institute succeed not only in physics, but also in other fields. The key to their success lies in the quality of their education in physics. A very interesting way of thinking develops when studying physics in depth. I think that to become a good physicist, it is not enough to have knowledge of physics alone; one must also possess skills in mathematics, programming, engineering, history, etc. This is why I chose to study at YSU—to gain a solid foundation of fundamental knowledge that will accompany me throughout my life.

- What are your plans for the future?

- I plan to continue my studies in the field of physics. I have noticed a positive shift in optics and photonics in Armenia, evidenced by the creation, renovation, and upgrading of new laboratories. My goal is to contribute to this momentum and help establish our country as a major scientific and technological center in the region.

Additionally, I will be traveling to Colorado (USA) from September 21-26 this year to participate in the "Frontiers in Optics" conference and a student leadership program.