Hayk Stepanyan

I had a scientific mindset to solve problems even before I knew what that was. I never wanted to leave a problem unsolved – whether it was 3 y/o me changing the batteries of the remote to watch my favorite TV show, or 13 y/o me writing my first program on a computer to calculate large numbers and find their divisors. To me, finding a creative solution to complex problems always seemed like the natural thing to do. Today at age 19, I want to create solutions to the world’s most difficult challenges – both in and outside of Armenia. 

Currently, there are tens of thousands of open problems in the field of computer science and robotics, many of which can solve serious problems to help humanity. This is why after finishing my studies and getting the experience required, I am planning to open my own startup in Armenia to build technologies to tackle the most difficult challenges for our country and the world in general. Smart helmets, autonomous robots, and many more smart devices can both be used for our homeland security and be potential products to succeed in the international market. 

At Georgia Tech, I have the chance to get expertise from the legends and current leaders of the AI field through extensive coursework. Moreover, joining Dr. Frank Dellaert’s lab as an undergraduate researcher has helped me to get hands-on computer science and robotics experience from the former Chief Scientist of Skydio. I am also currently interning at Meta, formerly known as Facebook, as a software engineer. I believe my knowledge and network connections gained throughout these experiences are going to be crucial for the future success of my startup. 

I have done everything to get the most out of my college career so far. I have been awarded highest Faculty Honors twice, worked as a researcher in the most prestigious lab of the school of interactive computing, and started interning in the world’s most influential company. I will continue to work hard to pursue my academic and career goals to help Armenia and eventually the world with my knowledge.

I am aware that Huys Foundation is granting the Huys Scholarship to me with the anticipation of my good faith pursuit and implementation of the projects and undertakings described in this letter, to which I hereby commit.