Participation in international educational programs ensures professional development

Thanks to the collaboration between Yerevan State University and Free University of Brussels, students have the opportunity to continue their education abroad and participate in various programs, even during their undergraduate years. This opportunity not only strengthens their knowledge but also fosters cooperative and friendly relationships with students from different universities. 

In interviews with us, students talked about their studies abroad and the new knowledge and skills they have acquired. 

Nzhdeh Kurian, a second-year master's student in the "Computer Modeling and Simulation of Electrodynamic Processes" program at YSU Institute of Physics, highlighted the importance of research in the fields of optics and photonics. He noted that at Free University of Brussels, they explored a range of topics and conducted numerous scientific experiments. 

"The courses were held in laboratories, where we conducted renowned scientific experiments in optics and photonics each week. We examined various devices, collected and analyzed data, and thoroughly recorded our findings. It’s important to note that we documented all the data from our lab work so that future specialists or students could understand the studies we conducted and the results we achieved," said the student. He emphasized that his research focused on polymer waveguides using digital methods, which included printing and describing the calculated devices with a 3D laser printer. 

Edvard Grigoryan, a fourth-year bachelor's student in the "Data Processing in Physics and Artificial Intelligence" program at YSU Physics Institute, views studying abroad as a training aimed at professional development. He highlighted that he can apply the acquired knowledge in YSU Photonics and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, which has been consistently re-equipped with modern technologies.   

"Through my research in photonics workshops, I gained fundamental knowledge about photonics, including how to conduct scientific experiments, develop optical systems, etc. I explored various branches of photonics, participated in theoretical courses such as 'Applications of Optics in Sensors,' and conducted research in a local laboratory focused on studying the structure of two-dimensional materials, measuring their optical properties and the thickness of a multi-layered sample," said Edvard.

The student learned about the Erasmus+ Program from upperclassmen and guest lecturers who shared its advantages and features. As a member of YSU’s student branch of the International Opticians Association (YSO Student Chapter), he got acquainted with Tatev Chalyan, a researcher at Free University of Brussels, from whom he clarified the program's details.  

Lilit Melikyan, a second-year master's student in the "Computer Modeling and Simulation of Electrodynamic Processes" program, conducted research on Raman fiber probes. In 2023, she went to Brussels for the first time under the Erasmus+ Program. During her five-month stay, she worked with Professor Tigran Baghdasaryan at the Free University of Brussels, focusing on research, modeling, and 3D printing. A year later, she returned to the same university for a three-month scientific visit. 

"As part of the collaboration between the two universities, Professor Heidi Ottevaere, the Head of the Photonics Department at the Free University of Brussels, visited Armenia in the spring. She invited me to conduct training in their group, where I assisted a PhD student in performing scientific experiments in the laboratory. Through these two visits, I gained extensive knowledge, working with bacteria, making biological measurements, preparing biosamples, and conducting Raman measurements. I was particularly impressed that a PhD student sought advice from a master's student; it exemplifies the freedom of knowledge, and it’s through these connections that our knowledge is enriched," Lilit noted.

With her own story, she emphasized the positive impact of the Erasmus+ Program on building students' professional paths. Lilit is sure that such programs also promote the exchange of knowledge and experience among students. 

"Yerevan State University develops knowledgeable specialists. The knowledge I gained here helps me move forward step by step. YSU is not inferior to any other university, as we receive not only a solid foundation but also excellent opportunities to take advantage of various programs," she said.  

Hayk Harutyunyan, a second-year master's student in the "Theoretical Physics" program, also left for Belgium in 2023 to continue his education. In addition to his coursework, Hayk has been engaged in research focused on laser beam positioning in space using a camera. 

It is noteworthy that Hayk studied in the "Radiophysics" bachelor's program, and as a result of his participation in the Erasmus+ international program, he decided to pursue further studies in the field of optics and photonics.

"The program fostered a strong love and interest in optics and photonics, which is why I decided to continue my activity in that direction. Due to the valuable experience I gained, I had the opportunity to apply to the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia for a one-month summer camp this summer. After conducting extensive research in the field of physics, we obtained intriguing data and presented our findings in poster format. I’m proud to say that my poster was recognized as the best among those presented," emphasized Hayk, noting that his visits allowed him to establish many friendships that he continues to maintain. 

The students from YSU Physics Institute assert that thanks to such programs, they have the opportunity to interact with top specialists and professors in the field. They acquire new knowledge and collaboration skills, which they will later apply in their research work in YSU laboratories.