Science as a path toward achieving goals: Tatevik Sarukhanyan’s journey in the world of physics

Tatevik Sarukhanyan, Head of the Research Group for Modeling and Micromachining of Optical Microsystems at YSU Institute of Physics, began her journey as a student and gradually continued to specialize in photonics, optical computing, and microtechnologies. Today, she leads a research group, combining teaching and laboratory work. For Tatevik, science is not just a job; it is a world where problems are solved through perseverance, and the scientific results obtained guide the way to new paths.

In an interview with us, Tatevik shared what she is currently working on, how she began her scientific career, what inspires her to move forward, and how she transforms her scientific ideas into real projects.

"I had clearly decided to continue my studies in physics. I was fascinated by the world of physics, especially scientific experiments. My first steps in science were during my postgraduate studies. At first, I faced many difficulties, but I persistently continued to fight and achieved the goals I set for myself," Tatevik says.

Her scientific career has been greatly influenced by her academic mentors—Professors Roman Alaverdyan and Ashot Gevorgyan from Yerevan State University. Their support and constant encouragement helped Tatevik overcome challenges, avoid discouragement, and always strive for the best. Tatevik emphasized that a special place in her professional life is also occupied by Mushegh Rafayelyan, Head of the Photonics and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at YSU, who pioneered the field of optical computing in Armenia by creating an environment where Tatevik had the opportunity to delve into the contemporary and rapidly developing scientific direction. This collaboration marked a new chapter in her scientific journey, becoming the starting point for innovative research.

"My workday begins at the university. Initially, as a group leader, I do administrative tasks, and then I spend the rest of the day in the laboratory. The students in my research group carry out theoretical and experimental work in three directions. We discuss the current problems and try to find solutions," Tatevik describes, considering her scientific work to be her greatest achievement.

The physicist believes that science is not only about work on experiments and mathematical models but also a combination of creative approaches and innovations. According to her, without this combination, we cannot achieve results that are both accurate and introduce innovations in a given field.

Tatevik has been working at Yerevan State University for five years, engaging in scientific activities. She began her research on laser radiation from liquid crystal-polymer systems, for which she defended her candidate thesis in 2023.

"Since 2020, at the Photonics and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at Yerevan State University (of course, it had not yet been officially established as a laboratory, and the team was just forming), I started researching the application of liquid crystals in optical reservoir computation. My research in this direction is still ongoing. Three years ago, our application for funding within the framework of the RA MoESCS’s program for the establishment of remote laboratories was approved. The application was titled "Advanced Microfabrication via Two-Photon Polymerization (2PP) for the Development of In Vitro Diagnostic Lab-on-a-Chip Platforms." This is a five-year project, led by Professors Heidi Ottevaere and Tigran Baghdasaryan from the Free University of Brussels, and I am the co-leader of this project," she says.

Within this joint project, a system is being created that allows for 3D printing using a photosensitive polymer through two-photon polymerization. This system will enable layer-by-layer printing, allowing for the creation of structures and photonic elements with sizes of several hundred nanometers.

"We plan to use 3D printing to create 'lab-on-a-chip' systems that can be applied in medicine, biology, and other fields. Within this project, a new scientific group called Modeling and Micromachining of Optical Microsystems has been established at YSU Institute of Physics, which I head. I should also mention that this year, I began teaching at YSU," Tatevik adds.

In response to the question of how she overcomes moments when experiments or research don’t succeed, she says, "I try not to work on the issue for a few days. Then I come back to it with fresh ideas and try to solve it. I also have discussions with my experienced colleagues."

Tatevik Sarukhanyan is the author of ten scientific papers published in peer-reviewed international journals. Her areas of research include laser radiation from different systems composed of liquid crystals, analog neural networks, and predictions of chaotic data changes using liquid crystal-based reservoir computing.

"I have also started studying a new direction—3D printing using two-photon polymerization, which allows for the creation of structures with small solubility. By integrating a light modulator, we will achieve layer-by-layer printing, which will accelerate the printing process," she adds.

Tatevik’s future plans are focused on expanding both international and local collaborations, covering both applied and fundamental research areas. She aims to create platforms with her research group that will not only be applicable in academic environments but also meet the practical needs of Armenia's development.

To better understand Tatevik Sarukhanyan’s character, we asked her to answer a few rapid-fire questions that reveal her interests, approach to science, and worldview. 

Tatevik, if you could choose again, would you pick physics?

- Yes, I would choose physics again.

- What motivates you in science?

- Scientific experiments. 

- How do you work in a team?

- I value the opinions of team members.

- Which scientist from the past would you want to meet? 

- I would choose Albert Einstein. I would like to talk to him about his theory.

- What’s a key value for a scientist? 

- Constantly seeking and searching for new knowledge.

- What inspires you beyond science?

- Art, particularly the classical concerts at the National Center for Chamber Music, which I frequently attend.

- A book or film that influenced you?

- The film "Autumn Sun."

- Your favorite scientific term or phenomenon?

- Selective reflection of light.

- One word to describe Tatevik at work?

- Patient.

- One word to describe Tatevik in life?

- Determined.