AUA Focus Series S2 E13: Focus on Building Computer Science in Armenia

In this episode of the AUA Media Lab’s Focus Series, Dr. Aram Hajian, associate professor and chair of AUA’s Master of Science in Computer and Information Science program, sits down with Dr. Barry Levine, professor emeritus in Computer Science at San Francisco State University and the founding director of AUA’s Computer and Information Science program. Drawing on decades of experience in computer science education, Dr. Levine reflects on his first trip to Armenia, his collaboration with AUA co-founder Dr. Armen Der Kiureghian, and the vision that led to the creation of the University’s graduate program in Computer and Information Science. The conversation explores the opportunities and challenges of building a high-impact academic program in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. They discuss Armenia’s strong scientific heritage, the growing tech ecosystem, and how both have shaped the development of computer science education in the country. They also examine the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and the rise of interdisciplinary fields such as robotics, physical AI, and digital humanities, as well as the importance of giving back through mentorship and philanthropy. #AUAMediaLab #focusseries #podcasts #AUApodcast #highereducation #armenia