From MIT to YSU: International student Nicolas Manno shares his academic journey and experience in Armenia

Nicolas completed his undergraduate studies at MIT, majoring in chemistry and mathematics. In the upcoming academic year, he will begin his PhD studies at the University of Cambridge.

His decision to come to Armenia—and to Yerevan State University in particular—was influenced by connections he formed during his time at MIT.

"While studying at MIT, I became acquainted with the Caucasus region through several Armenian and Georgian friends, which sparked my curiosity about the area. That interest led me to participate in the MISTI-Eurasia program, within which I chose to collaborate with the Computational Materials Science Laboratory at YSU, under the guidance of Laboratory Head Hayk Zakaryan. His project offered me an opportunity to deepen my knowledge in chemistry," Nicolas shares. 

He joined a project in computational physics and chemistry, which he describes as a new and enriching experience.

"At YSU, I primarily focused on research work, conducting various types of quantum mechanical calculations for predicting the structure of solid materials. To be honest, during my time at YSU, I acquired new skills. For instance, I learned to perform complex calculations related to solids and molecules—an area I knew very little about before coming here," the young researcher says.

Speaking about the differences between research practices at MIT and YSU, Nicolas notes that he did not observe any significant distinctions. 

"I didn’t attend classes here, as I came to YSU specifically for research purposes. Naturally, the projects I worked on at MIT and YSU were in quite different fields, but I didn’t notice any major differences in the research approaches," he adds.  

When asked what advice he would give to students considering a similar experience, Nicolas offers a concise response: "Chase all the opportunities available!"

Beyond academics, Nicolas was also deeply impressed by Armenia. He was particularly struck by the natural beauty and the hospitality of the people. He notes that what he loved most about Yerevan was not a specific place, but the overall atmosphere and energy of the city.

"I enjoy walking around the city, especially in the evenings. I think Yerevan is a very lively city. I really enjoy strolling through its parks and admiring the beauty of frequently seen fountains," Nicolas says with a smile. 

He believes that his visit to YSU contributed to strengthening scientific collaboration and proved that science knows no borders. Although his visit is coming to an end, he hopes to maintain ties with his colleagues in Armenia. 

"I’m not sure exactly how, but I hope to keep the connection alive," he concludes.