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Fulbright-Hovnanian Program Announces Three New Nominees

Press Releases
7 September 2021

We are proud to announce three new finalists nominated for the Fulbright-Hovnanian Program for 2022-2023 academic year studies. Standouts from the 30+ applicants who underwent a competitive interview process are Shaghek Manjikian, Astghik Markosyan and Nune Zadoyan, selected to join the ranks of 15 Armenian student grantees before them. Launched in 2017, the program is a partnership between the U.S. State Department and the H. Hovnanian Family Foundation, and invests in students seeking a Master’s degree in STEM+E studies in the United States. Although the candidates will be focusing their studies in very different areas of specialty, they all share a common objective—to return to Armenia and reinvest their newly acquired knowledge and experiences toward a stronger future of their country.

The Fulbright-Hovnanian Program’s overarching goal is to strengthen technology and entrepreneurship skills of program participants, who are selected not only on the basis of their academic performance but also on their vision and keen interest in making a beneficial, ripple-effect impact in the country upon their return. It is not only about top-quality education, but also exposure to and exchange of multi-cultural values and experiences and networking opportunities, which all lead to broader horizons and critical thinking.

The first selected finalist is Shaghek Manjikian, who wants to further her legal experience with an advanced degree in dispute resolution methods of mediation, arbitration, and litigation in order to fill a critical gap in commercial law in Armenia. Originally from Kessab, Syria, Shaghek migrated to Armenia following military operations in Syria. Upon her return to Armenia, she has multiple plans to further teach what she learns in the U.S. at the Armenian university level, and to establish a law firm employing a strong team that specializes in investment arbitration claims.

Astghik Markosyan is interested in attaining her master degree in Biology with a focus on Conservation Biology. She is specialized in birds, and passionately working on issues of endangered species. In particular, she’s done a lot of research in the field of the stork population in Armenia and polluted environment/rivers. An advanced degree in the U.S. will enable her to study western best practices, develop advanced skills in modern research methods, and then help adapt the right methods for Armenia. Following her studies, she plans to return to Armenia and conduct comprehensive research to catalogue and statistically analyze endangered species and how to mitigate threats to their existence.

The third finalist is Nune Zadoyan, who is dedicated to pursuing a specialization in entrepreneurship with a social impact. In 2017 she launched a project offering business skills to underserved populations in Armenia, including those at correction facilities or recently released, in order to facilitate their successful rehabilitation and reintegration into society. Upon her return to Armenia, Nune plans to launch a business incubator and expand access to information and skills to marginalized groups and rural communities within Armenia.

We congratulate all three finalists, and look forward to learning about the impact they are making as our future change-makers in Armenia. The Foundation is committed to expanding the number of quality candidates we send to the U.S. for their post-grad education and welcomes all interested in the possibility to visit https://am.usembassy.gov/education-culture/educational-exchange/ to learn more about eligibility requirements and application procedures. The program for 2023-2024 will be announced in March 2022.