Inspire a Love for STEM: Doctorate Professor Gurgen Khachatryan

Doctorate Professor Gurgen Khachatryan is internationally known scientist and cryptographer. Dr. Khachatryan was featured in 50 Global Armenians  in 2012 as one of the influential Armenians in the world. In 1992 Dr. Khachatryan established one of the first IT companies in Armenia called Hylink. Dr. Khachatryan was one of the authors of SAFER+ encryption algorithm (Secure and Fast Encryption Routine) based on DES (Data Encryption Standard) and Bluetooth uses custom algorithms based on SAFER+. Dr. Khachatryan introduced cryptography to Armenia in which many specialists became professionals and succeeded in the international arena. Because of his outstanding scientific contributions in 1996 Dr. Khachatryan was elected as full member of National Academy of Scientists of the Republic of Armenia. Dr. Khachatryan spent a decade in US working in several high tech companies as Chief Cryptographer. Since 2007 Dr. Khachatryan is back to Armenia as a professor at American University of Armenia.

On top of his professional success Dr. Khachatryan is amazing father and grandparent. He encouraged me and my brother Suren Khachatryan to aim high in finding a profession that would be applicable internationally.  My father always highlighted the importance of science and technology and the bright future of STEM fields. Thanks to his influence, I pursued a technical degree in Computer Science and now in charge of Security Team for Watson Data and AI at IBM. My son, Eric Zakharian is studying Data Science at the University of San Francisco. My father never stops encouraging me with his healthy life style, no matter where he is, he would dedicate at least 1 hour every morning for his exercise. Healthy living, love for travel and big fan of classical and jazz music are all the traits in my father that constantly motivates me to be a better person. Thank you dad for being a role model for your children and grandchildren and inspiring us with your noble actions every day!