Sevak Mkrtchyan, Associate Professor of Mathematics at the University of Rochester, will spend a semester in Yerevan, Armenia, as a Fulbright Scholar. During his time there, he will work on the completeness properties of random point processes, focusing on connections to number theory and renewal processes. This work extends the thesis of his former PhD student Erin Crossen-Brown, co-advised by Jonathan Pakianathan at Rochester. Additionally, he will continue his collaborations on phase transitions in polymer models and explore the asymptotic properties of certain measures from Schur-Weyl duality for the symmetric group.

We had the opportunity to speak with him about his upcoming Fulbright journey:

What inspired you to pursue a Fulbright opportunity, and why did you choose your specific destination?

I was born in Armenia, and after establishing myself as a mathematician, I felt a strong desire to reconnect with the mathematical community in my home country. Over the past few years, I have been involved in organizing several virtual events aimed at strengthening ties between mathematicians in Armenia and those abroad. These included an online summer program on Markov Chains for students in Armenia in 2021, as well as the Yerevan Mathematics Colloquium, an online, global colloquium series started in 2021. I also collaborated with local institutions in Yerevan to deliver online lecture series aimed at high school and undergraduate students in Armenia, offering courses at the level of honors courses at Rochester.

Despite the successes of these virtual initiatives, I quickly realized there were limitations to what could be achieved online. The Fulbright program provided the perfect opportunity for me to take my engagement with the Armenian mathematical community to the next level. Spending an entire semester in Yerevan will allow me to fully immerse myself in academic and scientific life there, establish deeper connections, and have a much greater impact.

How do you anticipate your Fulbright experience will enhance your teaching or research at the University of Rochester?

My Fulbright experience will expose me to a new academic environment, which I believe will bring fresh perspectives to both my research and teaching. By working closely with students and faculty in Armenia, I expect to learn different teaching methodologies and ways of approaching mathematical problems that I can integrate into my classes at Rochester. Furthermore, this opportunity will enable me to strengthen my research collaborations with mathematicians in Armenia. It also presents a chance to introduce the University of Rochester to a talented pool of Armenian students, who may be seeking educational opportunities abroad.

What goals do you have for your time abroad as a Fulbright Scholar?

My primary goal is to deepen my connections with the mathematical community in Armenia and explore new avenues for collaboration. I’m particularly interested in bringing the University of Rochester to the attention of talented students in Armenia who may not be aware of the opportunities available to them internationally. Beyond this, I hope to experience Armenia’s academic culture firsthand and adapt some of their teaching techniques to my own courses at Rochester. This cross-cultural exchange will undoubtedly be enriching both for me personally and for my future students.

How has the University of Rochester supported your preparation for this international opportunity?

The University of Rochester has been extremely supportive as I’ve prepared for this Fulbright opportunity. My colleagues have provided invaluable advice and guidance on how to make the most of my time abroad, both in terms of my research and my engagement with the Armenian academic community. Additionally, the University has been flexible in accommodating my plans, allowing me to focus on maximizing the impact of this Fulbright semester.

What challenges and opportunities do you foresee, and how are you preparing to address them?

One of the challenges I expect to face is the difference in academic structures between Armenia and the United States, particularly in terms of higher education. In post-Soviet countries like Armenia, academic life tends to be more rigid, and the relationships between instructors and students are often more formal. Student expectations and work ethics can also differ significantly. I anticipate these differences might pose some initial challenges, but I’m confident that with an open mind and a willingness to adapt, I’ll be able to navigate them. It’s important to remain flexible and sensitive to the needs and cultural norms of those around me.

On the other hand, these differences also present unique opportunities. By immersing myself in Armenia’s academic environment, I hope to learn from their approaches and incorporate some of their teaching methods into my own work. This exchange of ideas is one of the most exciting aspects of the Fulbright experience.

What advice would you give to colleagues considering applying for a Fulbright?

If you’re even remotely considering applying for a Fulbright, I strongly encourage you to go ahead and do it. The Fulbright program offers a wonderful, unique opportunity that is difficult to replicate through other means. It allows you to engage deeply with academic communities in other countries, form lasting connections, and bring new perspectives back to your home institution.

One piece of advice I would give is to try and establish some professional relationships in your host country before applying. Having colleagues or collaborators in the country where you’ll be based can help you better understand the opportunities available to you, whether in terms of research, teaching, or other academic activities. They can also provide invaluable insights and guidance throughout your Fulbright journey.

Additionally, the Fulbright program itself is incredibly well-organized, with a knowledgeable and supportive staff who will assist you throughout the entire process. From orientations to pre-departure briefings, they make sure you’re fully prepared for your experience abroad, ensuring that you get the most out of this fantastic opportunity.

 

*Discover more about the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program, offering over 400 awards in more than 135 countries. Learn more here.