2019 Scholarship Recipients

Liana Aslanyan

Liana Aslanyan is a second-year dental student at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, in New York. She earned her undergraduate degree in biology from CUNY Queens College. Born and raised in Armenia, Liana considers it a lifetime duty to give back to the Armenian community. She was fortunate to participate in a global research program which allowed her to return to Armenia to conduct a study in the prevention of dental caries. Liana plans to continue her work in Armenia and with to introduce preventive dental services there. She has a passion for community dentistry and hopes to bring oral health improvement among the lives of Armenians as well as the community in New York City.

Sosi Dzhugarian

Sosi Dzhugarian was born and raised in Southern California. She combined her interests in medicine, physiology, and physical activity by obtaining her Bachelor’s degree in kinesiology – exercise science from California State University, Northridge. Sosi is in her second year of medical school at Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine. Over the years, she has volunteered for the Armenian Relief Society, among other non-profit Armenian organizations. Attending events such as the 2019 AMA Annual Conference has motivated her to think more critically about health policy. She hopes that her experiences and education will allow her to better serve the Armenian community.

Alec Ohanian

Alec Ohanian is a first-year medical student at the UCSF School of Medicine and hopes to pursue a career in vascular surgery or robotic-assisted cardiothoracic surgery, as well as earn a Master of Public Health (MPH).  He graduated Magna Cum Laude from California State University, Long Beach with a major in Molecular Cell Biology and Physiology, and minors in finance and chemistry. Between college and medical school, Alec focused on research, publishing two papers in the fields of stem cell biology and developmental physiology. His most impactful experience was volunteering in Armenia for over four months at various hospitals and schools. This shaped his intense focus on global health, with the ultimate goal of giving back to Armenia by serving its people and improving the state of its healthcare.

Anais Stepanian

Anais Stepanian is a second-year medical student at Loyola University Chicago-Stritch School of Medicine. She completed her bachelor’s degree in neurobiology, physiology, and behavior at the University of California, Davis. She recently spent time in Armenia as a coordinator for The Paros Foundation SERVICEArmenia program, which inspired her to return to improve access to healthcare. Anais has a passion for teaching and plans to pursue a career in academic. She currently teaches anatomy review lectures for first-year medical students. Anais plans to specialize in OB/GYN, followed by a fellowship in reproductive endocrinology. Ultimately, she plans to use her career as a platform to give back to Armenia as well as to empower other Armenians to pursue a career in medicine.