In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

American University of Armenia
40 Marshal Baghramyan Avenue
Yerevan, Erevan, 0019
Armenia

Aleksandr Hakobyan

Student, Systems Engineer

Aleksandr Hakobyan’s deep fascination with space and passion for creating and fixing things propelled him to pursue a degree in Engineering Sciences at the American University of Armenia. Aleksandr is a National Public Speaking Champion of Armenia and a participant in the International Public Speaking Competition in London in 2019. Driven by a solid commitment to sustainability, Aleksandr also pursued a minor in Environmental Studies, showcasing his dedication to positively impacting the planet. His passion for environmental issues led him to be selected as a member of the Official Delegation of the Republic of Armenia at the UNFCCC COP-26 held in Glasgow in 2021. Presently, Aleksandr Hakobyan has the position of Systems Engineer at Bazoomq Space Research Laboratory. In this role, he is developing a CubeSat, scheduled for launch in 2023.

Garabet Kazanjian

Assistant Professor, Researcher, and Environmental Advocate

Dr. Garabet Kazanjian is an assistant professor at the American University of Armenia (AUA) and a researcher at the AUA Acopian Center for the Environment. He holds an MSc in marine ecology and a Ph.D. in limnology from the Humboldt University of Berlin. With extensive experience in interdisciplinary aquatic research, Dr. Kazanjian previously worked at the Leibniz Institute for Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries and the Netherlands Institute of Ecology. He has also been involved in environmental advocacy as a Greenpeace Oceans Campaigner. Currently, Dr. Kazanjian leads several European Horizon projects at AUA and focuses on studying ways to ensure the sustainability of Lake Sevan in Armenia.

Gregory Chahrozian

Educator and Curriculum Specialist, Adjunct Lecturer

Gregory Chahrozian joined the American University of Armenia as an adjunct lecturer in the Fall of 2020. Gregory holds a Master’s Degree in Teaching and a Bachelor’s Degree in Science from The University of Sydney. He majored in Microbiology and Genetics and Science Education. He has spent the last twenty years teaching Secondary education students. During that time, his leadership roles included Head of Curriculum and Head of Science Faculty. He is keen to share his educational experience and be part of the education revolution here in Armenia, focusing on Curriculum and Assessment development. He recently repatriated to Armenia from Australia.

Iren Stepanyan

Creative Strategist, Manager at Artbox, Creative Armenia

Iren Stepanyan is an art enthusiast and the manager of Artbox, the signature program of the Creative Armenia arts foundation, which provides comprehensive strategic support to creative individuals, teams, and institutions with the potential for commercial success. She also works as a teaching associate for the Acting Techniques class at the American University of Armenia, where she shares her love and appreciation for performance and theater with Armenian youth. Iren pursued her Bachelor’s Degree in English Communications and earned a Graduate Certificate in Translation from the American University of Armenia. She is passionate about storytelling and artistic expression, with interests ranging from film, literature, and music to video games, animation, and theater. In her spare time, Iren dedicates herself to singing, telling jokes, and pursuing her long-time hobby of editing animation music videos.

Mirna Bzdigian

Student, Miss World Armenia 2021, Model

Mirna Bzdigian is studying English and Communications at the American University of Armenia. She was born and raised in Syria before moving to Armenia in 2019. Formerly a professional swimmer for the Syrian National Swimming team, she shifted her focus to education and professional growth. Mirna's diverse interests led her to work in various fields, including modeling, content writing, marketing, and business consultation. She finds solace in writing poems during her free time. Mirna participated in the Miss Armenia Beauty Pageant and won the Miss World Armenia 2021 title. As part of her platform, she initiated the "Beauty with a Purpose" Project, aiding war survivors and promoting social causes.