With the rapid advances in sequencing technologies, biology has become a data-rich science. This shift has made bioinformatics, a multidisciplinary field combining biology, mathematics, statistics, and computer science, essential to progress in life sciences, biomedicine, and biotechnology. Yet, Armenia faces a shortage of trained bioinformaticians, largely due to the lack of formal education programs that effectively integrate biology and computational science. As a result, the development of data-driven research and innovation in Armenia remains limited.

My own experience reflects this challenge. Although I pursued my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in molecular biology, I often felt limited by the lack of tools and knowledge to analyze the biological data I was generating. I first recognized the true potential of bioinformatics, and the depth of this training gap, when I joined the Armenian Bioinformatics Institute (ABI) summer school. It was the first time I encountered a structured, hands-on introduction to data analysis in biology. This experience revealed how powerful bioinformatics can be in answering complex biological questions and made me aware of how few opportunities like this exist in Armenia.

After summer school, I joined ABI’s microbiome research team, where I began working on complex datasets and contributed to collaborative research projects. These experiences helped me develop foundational computational skills, but my learning has been largely self-directed. I now frequently encounter challenges that require deeper knowledge of machine learning, statistical modeling, and algorithm design, skills critical for impactful, independent research.

As a PhD student at ABI, I am currently working on a major research project focused on Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), a chronic and increasingly prevalent condition in Armenia. Despite its rise, the biological mechanisms of IBD remain poorly understood, and there is a lack of effective, non-invasive tools for monitoring disease progression. To address this, our team conducts a two-year longitudinal study involving blood and stool sample collection every ten weeks from patients across multiple clinics. We aim to generate a comprehensive dataset integrating clinical, immune, and microbiome data to uncover new insights and develop better disease-tracking methods.

My biology background has equipped me to design and lead experimental workflows, including protocols for genetic material extraction. However, to analyze and interpret this multi-dimensional dataset, I need advanced training in data science. The ability to identify patterns, build predictive models, and translate complex data into clinical applications is essential, and this is where I face current limitations.

This is why I am applying to the Master’s program in Computer and Information Science (CIS) at the American University of Armenia. The program offers the rigorous, structured education I need to bridge my biology background with computational science. Courses in machine learning, data mining, statistical analysis, and algorithms align perfectly with my goals. I am particularly drawn to the project-based learning approach, which will allow me to apply theory to practical, research-driven challenges.

In the short term, I plan to continue my work at ABI by teaching and mentoring young researchers. The skills gained from the CIS program will enhance my ability to lead interdisciplinary projects and help build a collaborative, cross-disciplinary research environment in Armenia. I am already contributing in this direction by mentoring students and sharing what I have learned through hands-on experience.

My long-term vision is to establish a research lab dedicated to studying microbiome–immune system interactions, particularly in diseases like IBD. This lab will focus on developing local, data-driven diagnostic tools and personalized treatment strategies for chronic inflammatory conditions, which are growing public health concerns in Armenia. It will also serve as a hub for international collaboration and a training ground for early-career Armenian scientists. Through peer-reviewed publications and translational research, this lab will contribute to both global innovation and the advancement of Armenia’s healthcare and biotech sectors.

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.