Arthur Grigoryan Department Dean Agribusiness Management

Susanna Mezhlumyan Deputy Director, Business Ethics, Academic Project Coordinator FRUITENIA project

Susanna Mezhlumyan is the Deputy Director at the International Center for Agribusiness Research and Education (ICARE) Foundation since 2005. She has extensive experience in management in the sphere of education, working at the Agribusiness Department of ANAU, which is a collaborative project with Texas A&M University, ANAU, and ICARE. As part of her professional role is coordinating the overall academic process at the Agribusiness Teaching Center (UAB and MAB), teaching and learning, student recruitment and admission, policy and curricula development, and revision.
Susanna Mezhlumyan currently manages the FRUITENIA project’s (funded by the Austrian Development Cooperation) educational component of modernizing the curricula of the Agronomy Department, developing a professional certificate program in fruit production and capacity development of TVET instructors in modern fruit production.
Mrs. Mezhlumyan received her MBA degree from the College of Business Administration of the American University of Armenia (AUA) and a BS degree in Computer Science from Yerevan Polytechnic Institute.

Vardan Urutyan Financial Management Financial Analysis

• Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Agriculture Economics, Texas A&M University
• Ph.D. in Economics, Armenian State University of Economics
• Diploma in World Economics, Armenian State University of Economics
• Certificate of Finance, Risk Management and Agribusiness, University of Guelph, Canada
• Graduate of World Bank Institute Distance Learning Programs
• Former Rector of Armenian National Agrarian University

Gayane Dallakyan Digital Marketing

Gayane Dallakyan has over 20 years of experience in digital marketing and business consulting across sectors such as IT, tourism, and health. Since 2013, she has served as the Director of DM Consulting LLC, leading digital marketing projects focused on SEO, PPC, social media strategy, web analytics, and conversion optimization, helping businesses enhance their online presence and boost revenue.

In addition to her consulting role, Gayane is a member of the Teaching Faculty at the Armenian National Agrarian University, where she teaches digital marketing courses. She integrates her industry knowledge to equip students with the latest tools in SEO, marketing strategies, and data analytics for careers in Armenia’s evolving digital economy.

Gayane has also contributed to international development projects, including the USAID-funded Kazakhstan Business Connections Project, advising businesses on web performance and mobile marketing strategies.

She holds an MBA from the Haygazian Graduate School of Management and an undergraduate degree in Philology from Yerevan State University. Additionally, Gayane has completed certifications from Google Analytics,  enhancing her expertise in SEO, content marketing, and digital advertising.

Liana Avagyan Agribusiness Management Marketing Analysis

Liana Avagyan is a seasoned professional with almost two decades of experience in marketing, project management, and finance. She has held key management roles, including Acting CEO at Gmoji.am LLC, where she led financial operations and strategic planning. As the CEO at “Nikita Mobile” LLC, Liana was instrumental in overseeing budgeting, cost management, and profitability analysis. Currently, she serves as the Reconciliation, Treasury, and Transaction Department Manager at “ArmatSoft” LLC, where she excels in liquidity management and financial reporting. Alongside her corporate roles, Liana has a strong background in marketing, having led market analysis initiatives and taught courses on Marketing and Finance at the Armenian State Agrarian University. She holds an MBA from the American University of Armenia, specializing in Marketing and Finance.

Davit Markosyan Natural Resource Economics

Hayarpi Shahinyan Agritourism Wine Tourism

Holding M.Sc. in Wine Tourism Innovation, Hayarpi Shahinyan studied the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Program in Spain, France, and Portugal. Her thesis research was developed while working as Tour and Tasting Guide at Bodega Cálem, Porto. In the USA, she worked for harvest 2019 at Trefethen Family Vineyards, Napa Valley, California. She received the WSET L2 qualification from the WSET School of London.

In Armenia, Hayarpi graduated from the EVN Wine Academy’s 18-month Wine Business and Enology program, where she is lecturing the Wine Tourism course for already 5 years. Currently, she is investing her international knowledge and experience for the Vine and Wine Foundation of Armenia. At ICARE/ATC, Mrs. Shahinyan is sharing her knowledge with students about Agritourism for around 2 years.

Stepan Khachatryan Precision Agriculture

Stepan Khachatryan is an experienced water resource management and GIS specialist, holding a Master’s degree in Water Science and Engineering with a specialization in Flood Risk Management from the Erasmus Mundus program. He also has a bachelor’s degree in hydrometeorology from Yerevan State University. Stepan Khachatryan has served in various roles across academia, government, and the private sector, including their current position as Deputy Chairman of the Urban Development Committee of the Republic of Armenia, where they lead efforts in strategic planning and spatial data infrastructure development. Prior to this, they were the Founding Director of GeoGeeks LLC, a consultancy firm providing expertise in GIS and water resource management, and a researcher at the National University of Architecture and Construction of Armenia, contributing to the DEvision project and the creation of educational programs.

With extensive experience in GIS consultancy, hydrological analysis, and the development of spatial analysis frameworks, Stepan Khachatryan has been involved in numerous high-impact projects across sectors. Their work focuses on enhancing Armenia’s urban development through data-driven planning and fostering research and education in geospatial technologies. Additionally, Stepan Khachatryan lectures at the Armenian National Agrarian University and has contributed significantly to capacity building in GIS and spatial analysis in Armenia’s academic institutions.

Hasmik Hayrapetyan Finance Management Financial Analysis

Hasmik Hayrapetyan holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Agribusiness from ATC/ANAU. She has a strong background in finance and research, with extensive experience in various finance projects, including those at ICARE. Throughout her career, Hasmik has worked as a Project Researcher and Senior Researcher on multiple programs implemented by ICARE, funded by international organizations such as FAO, IFC, and UNDP.

Hasmik Makaryan Project Management

Hasmik Makaryan has extensive experience in grant management, project management, and financial literacy. She has led various strategic initiatives, including financial literacy projects at the Financial System Mediator’s Office (FSM), and has played a key role in ensuring the success of multiple development projects.

Since 2024, Hasmik has worked with AGBU, managing grants, overseeing financial processes, and ensuring compliance with procurement regulations to align projects with funder requirements and contribute to sustainable development.

Hasmik has also been actively involved in designing and delivering training programs for agricultural entrepreneurs through AGRI CAMP, enhancing agricultural practices through business development and entrepreneurial skills.

She holds a Master’s degree in Finance from the ASUE, where she graduated with honors, and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). Her expertise in grant management, project development, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy makes her a respected professional in both academic and practical settings.

Anna Meliksetyan Business Analytics Entrepreneurship

Anna Meliksetyan is an accomplished senior consultant with a diverse portfolio of work in developing and managing large-scale projects for prominent international organizations and businesses. She has been instrumental in driving initiatives focused on regional economic development, green job creation, water resource management, and sustainable growth strategies. Her experience extends to advising at the highest levels of government, having served as an advisor at the Office of the Prime Minister of Armenia, where she managed investor relations in environmental and infrastructure projects and supported strategic planning for key ministries.

Beyond consulting, Anna has demonstrated strong leadership and managerial skills through her role as the founder and president of DNA NGO. She successfully established and led community and international youth development projects, managing an international board of directors and driving forward impactful social initiatives.

Anna holds an MBA with Honors from Yerevan State University and a Certificate in Non-Profit Management from the American University of Armenia. Her comprehensive background in policy analysis, project management, stakeholder engagement, and strategic development makes her a dynamic and respected professional in the public sector.

Tatevik Soghomonyan Sales Techniques

Tatevik Soghomonyan joined the International Center for Agribusiness Research and Education (ICARE)
foundation in January 2025. She holds a Master’s Degree in Agroecology from the Armenian National
Agrarian University and a Master’s Degree in Linguistics from Yerevan State Linguistic University. With
extensive experience in market research, policy development and sustainable agriculture, she has
contributed to high-impact projects in both governmental and academic sectors.
At the International Centre for Agribusiness Research and Education (ICARE) and the Armenian National
Agrarian University, she teaches courses on Sales Techniques, Agricultural Innovation and Advisory
Systems, integrating practical insights with theoretical knowledge to equip students for industry
challenges.
Her expertise extends to project management, strategic market development and fostering public-private
partnerships. She has led initiatives in trade promotion, agricultural sustainability, and rural development.
Passionate about bridging academia, government and industry, she continues to contribute to knowledge
exchange and policy shaping for a more innovative and sustainable future.

Mania Israelyan Technical Writing, Analytical Writing

Manya Israelyan has more than 20 years of experience in translating and teaching English, content creation, and technical writing in Armenia and abroad. She has been involved in mainstream media outlets both locally and internationally as a translator, editor, reporter, and content creator. Beside her teaching career Manya is actively practicing Communications and Marketing and Content strategy offering services to both private and governmental organizations.  

Manya joined the Agribusiness Teaching Center (ATC) as a Technical Writing lecturer in the Undergraduate Agribusiness (UAB) program and as an Analytical Writing lecturer in the Master of Agribusiness (MAB) program.

Marina Vardanyan, Green Economy Natural Resource Economy

Dr. Marina Vardanyan is an environmental, water, energy, and climate expert with over 25 years of international experience in environment, energy, and natural resource management. Her strongest areas of expertise include the following:
• Strategic advisory and policy development in environmental, climate change, green energy transition, and water governance;
• Environmental compliance, including Environmental and Social Impact Assessment and infrastructure environmental safeguards;
• Regional coordination and stakeholder engagement, building partnerships among governments, donors, and civil society for transboundary energy and water cooperation.
• Advocacy, evaluation, teaching, and research in sustainable development, environmental economics, and natural resource management, including energy, water, and biodiversity.

Short Professional Bio

Dr. Marina Vardanyan is an environmental, energy, water resources, and climate change specialist with extensive experience in policy development, program design, and regional coordination across Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Asia. She has served as Energy and Environment Adviser at USAID/Moldova, Environmental and Natural Resource Management Adviser at USAID/Armenia, and Environmental Adviser at USAID/Vietnam.
Over her career, Dr. Vardanyan has led multi-million-dollar energy security, clean energy, and environmental programs, contributed to national climate and biodiversity strategies, and advised on environmental compliance and prepared environmental impact assessments for major infrastructure projects. She has also served as an independent evaluator for the European Commission, visiting lecturer at the American University of Armenia, and author of several publications on water governance, integrated resource management, environmental economics, and environmental impact assessment.

Geographic experience includes the following:

Dr. Vardanyan has worked in and with institutions from the following:
• Armenia – extensive work with USAID in the fields of environment, energy and water; work with government ministries, donors, universities and academic institutions;
• Moldova – energy and environment policy advisory, renewable energy transition, and market integration;
• Vietnam – environmental and water portfolio development and assessment;
• Belgium (European Commission) – evaluation of environment and energy proposals;
• United States (Florida) – visiting lecturer on environmental economics and water management;
• United Kingdom – collaborative research environmental impact assessment as well as on freshwater ecology; and has participated in numerous regional cooperation initiatives across the South Caucasus and Eastern Europe, including Moldova, Georgia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Dr. Vardanyan holds an MBA with honors in biophysics from Yerevan State University and PhDs from the Armenian Institute of Hydroponics and the Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy. Certificate from the Central European University in Environmental Impact Assessment.