My Background
I am Aleksandr. I was born and raised in Yerevan, Armenia, with a few years spent traveling both within the country and abroad with my family. I completed my high school education at “Aregnazan” Waldorf school and pursued a bachelor's degree in Engineering Sciences at the American University of Armenia (AUA).
Passion for Space and Engineering. Choosing My Major.
From a young age, I was captivated by space. My father and I would often gaze at the stars through a telescope and watch aerospace documentaries together. This passion persisted through high school, where I developed a keen interest in engine design. My bachelor's thesis centered on hybrid rocket engines, supervised by Dr. Hrachya Kocharyan, an alumnus of Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). His guidance and background played a pivotal role in shaping my academic aspirations.
Why the U.S.? Why WPI? + Other Options I Had
Pursuing a career in aerospace engineering from Armenia presented significant challenges due to the limited academic infrastructure in this specialized field. My passion for space, ignited during childhood stargazing sessions with my father, led me to seek opportunities abroad. The United States, with its robust aerospace industry and research institutions, emerged as a natural choice.
During my undergraduate studies at the American University of Armenia, I worked on a thesis focused on hybrid rocket engines under the mentorship of Dr. Hrachya Kocharyan, an alumnus of Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). His insights into WPI's project-based learning approach and strong aerospace program influenced my decision to apply there.
I also applied to other prestigious institutions, including MIT, UCLA, and the University of Toronto. While these applications did not result in admissions, they provided valuable experience in the application process. Ultimately, WPI's emphasis on practical, hands-on learning and its supportive environment for international students made it the ideal choice for my graduate studies.
Stats
I graduated with a GPA of 3.42 out of 4.0. Despite AUA's English-medium instruction, WPI required a TOEFL score, so I retook the exam and scored 112 out of 120. The GRE was not required, as many universities, including WPI, have waived it post-COVID.
Extracurricular Activities + Work Experience
Starting from my sophomore year at AUA, I accumulated over four years of engineering experience:
Solara: Designed solar installations for clients in Armenia and the U.S.
Cisco Internetworking: Worked on integrated circuit design of router processors.
Hayasat-1 Project: Joined Armenia's first domestic satellite project, contributing to its development and operations.
Beyond engineering, I recently ventured into writing, working on a science fiction novel—a new and exciting endeavor for me.
Costs & Student Visa
Financing my education was challenging. To secure a student visa, I needed to demonstrate funds covering tuition and living expenses, amounting to approximately $46,000. I had saved around $10,000, with additional support from my father. To bridge the gap, I launched a GoFundMe campaign, raising a total of $8,000. Just before departure, I was awarded a $5,000 Provost Scholarship from WPI.
Student Life at WPI
Transitioning to life at WPI was both exciting and challenging. The university's unique seven-week term system demanded a rapid pace of learning, requiring adaptability and time management. Despite the academic rigor, WPI offers a vibrant campus life that fosters community and personal growth.
The Office of International Student Life (ISL) played a crucial role in my adjustment, providing resources on immigration, employment, and cultural integration. Orientation programs and social events facilitated connections with fellow international students, creating a supportive network that eased the transition.
Beyond academics, WPI encourages involvement in various extracurricular activities. I engaged in research projects, attended seminars, and participated in student organizations, all of which enriched my educational experience and broadened my perspective.
Academic Journey of Starting a PhD
Initially enrolled in WPI's master's program, my academic path took a significant turn when I joined Professor Ye Lu's Laboratory of Spaceflight and Planetary Exploration. After presenting my research interests and aligning them with the lab's focus, I was offered a teaching assistantship, contingent upon transitioning to the Ph.D. program.
This opportunity allowed me to delve deeper into research areas such as inter-moon trajectory design, optimizing mission trajectories between planetary moons to minimize propellant usage. My broader interest lies in guidance, navigation, and control within aerospace applications. The Ph.D. program at WPI has provided a platform to explore these interests extensively, combining theoretical knowledge with practical application.
Plans for the Future
Looking ahead, I aim to contribute to the advancement of space exploration technologies. My current research on inter-moon trajectories has potential applications in future space missions, and I aspire to be at the forefront of such innovations. Whether in academia, research institutions, or the aerospace industry, I seek to apply my expertise in control systems and mission design to real-world challenges.
Additionally, I am passionate about fostering the growth of aerospace engineering in Armenia. By sharing knowledge and collaborating with local institutions, I hope to inspire and support the next generation of engineers in my home country.
Advice to International Applicants
Embarking on international studies is a significant step, and I offer the following advice based on my experiences:
Embrace Uncertainty: The journey will have challenges, but unexpected opportunities can arise. Stay open to new experiences and be adaptable.
Authenticity Matters: Showcase genuine experiences and achievements in applications. Highlight your unique background and how it has shaped your aspirations.
Narrative Over Buzzwords: Instead of generic statements, provide concrete examples that highlight your skills and experiences. Tell your story in a way that reflects your individuality.
Stay Resilient: Rejections are part of the process. Persistence and adaptability are key. Learn from each experience and continue striving toward your goals.
Seek Support: Utilize resources available to international students, such as orientation programs, academic advising, and student organizations. Building a support network can greatly enhance your experience.
Remember, every step, even the unforeseen ones, can lead to remarkable opportunities. Pursue your passions with determination, and the journey will be rewarding.
…
In all honesty, I would not be where I am now without everyone who supported me during my crowdfunding. This is a common hardship for many international students, and I want to use this chance to also help people in need of support for their studies, particularly someone brilliant who has a goal to change and revitalize the educational system of my homeland. Nairy Bzdigian recently got accepted to Teachers College, Columbia University (ranked as the #1 graduate school in Education) to pursue a Master's Degree in Anthropology and Education. She has started a fundraiser to help support her on this journey, from which she will return wiser and more able to help boost the educational system in Armenia. As Nairy put it "When I am back in Armenia and see conflict education being used to inspire and educate rather than create fear, I will know that I have achieved my goal". Her full story is available by the following link that leads to her fundraiser. Let's help others experience the greatness that I have, so that we may have a generation of people who are knowledgeable and capable of bettering the world.
https://rearmenia.com/en/fundraisers/support-nairys-journey-to-columbia-university?tab=story
