Meet Our Team

Araksiya Nadjarian, STEM Academy Director

Araksiya Nadjarian obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering and Computer Science (CECS) and minor in Multimedia and Creative Technologies from the University of Southern California. She has over 22 years’ experience as Co-Founder and CEO of a software development, IT consulting and communications service provider, employing over 140 employees in three locations across two countries.
Araksiya has been an active member of the AESA for the past four years, participating in the Science Olympiad, the AESA Conference & Expo Committees, and other initiatives. As pertaining to the STEM world, she also has extensive experience with more than eight years’ experience serving as the director of the UYA Armenian School and was on the executive board of a local Glendale high school PTSA for three years. Araksiya is passionate about the education of Armenian children and is looking forward to expanding the offerings and capabilities of the AESA STEM Academy.

Katia Kermoyan, STEM Academy Coordinator

 Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Haigazian University, Beirut, Lebanon, and Master of Science in Information Systems from California State University of Los Angeles. Currently working as an IT Project Manager and Business Analyst at the County of Los Angeles, Department of Mental Health. Engaged in community service, admires nature, likes cultures, history, hiking, and cooking.

Arin Abed, Robotics Program Lead

 AESA member since 2012. Master of Science in Control Systems. Working as Optical Packaging Engineer in Silicon Photonics Start Up. Passionate about Robotics as a platform for STEM education. Enjoys mountaineering and Literature.

Sona Juharyan, Science Olympiad Lead and Math Program Co-Lead

 AESA Science Olympiad Committee chair since 2015. Active member of AESA 2017 and 2018 GALA committees, 2019 Expo/Conference, and Robotics team. Bachelor of Science in Structural Engineering from the University of California, San Diego. Transportation Engineer at Caltrans, at the current position of Materials Engineer, supporting Los Angeles and Ventura Counties on roadway design. Looking forward to working with students who are interested in Math Olympiads.

Aida Bareghamyan, Biology Program Lead

 AESA Member since 2017. Outside of the STEM Academy, is involved in Science Olympiad and AESA Conference/Expo committees. Graduated from University of Southern California  with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences in 2015. Currently a PhD Candidate at the USC Neuroscience Graduate Program. Is passionate about mentoring college students in research as well as inspiring young students to follow a scientific path. Looking forward to working with the AESA STEM Academy students and team to inspire and train the next generation of scientists and engineers.

John Shirajian, Physics /Chemistry Program Lead and Math Program Co-Lead

 AESA past President and Science Olympiad founding member. Science and Math department chair at Ribet Academy. Enjoys golf, going to Science museums, and family time.

Hakop Palyan, Electrical/Electronics Program Lead 

 Bachelor of Science in Computer Science & Engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles. Full stack software engineer at Google with experience developing web and mobile based products and services. Passionate about music, software, technology, and mentoring the next generation of students interested in STEM education.

Emen Baghoomian, Electrical/Electronics Program Mentor

 Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences from University of California, Berkeley, and Master of Science in Computer Science from the University of Southern California. Responsible for the technical operations at Musical Armenia. Specializes in Tech Services and Web Development. Passionate about creating learning opportunities for the next generation in the arts and sciences.