Researching important advancements in biomedical science and inspiring students are some of the things that Dr. Irina Gazaryan, a Chemistry professor on the Pleasantville campus, enjoys doing. Dr. Gazaryan started teaching at Pace University in the Fall of 2016 as an adjunct professor, and since the Fall of 2019, Dr. Gazaryan has been a full-time faculty.
Dr. Gazaryan worked at the Burke Medical Research Institute, affiliated with Cornell University from 2000 to 2014. From 2000 – 2007, Dr. Gazaryan worked as a Research Scientist, and then, from 2007 to 2014, as Head of Drug Discovery Laboratory at Burke.
Dr. Gazaryan teaches Chemistry 111, “General Chemistry I” and Chemistry 112, “General Chemistry II. She also teaches Chemistry 113, “Principles of Chemistry for the Health Professions.” In addition, Professor Gazaryan teaches Chemistry 326, “Biochemistry;” Chemistry 328, “Advanced Biochemistry;” and Chemistry 329, “Advanced Biochemistry Laboratory.”
Dr. Gazaryan has also performed extensive research in the field of Biochemistry. She states that her research interests include “cell assays for the activation of two intrinsic genetic programs: antihypoxic and antioxidant.”
Dr. Gazaryan has co-authored numerous articles, one of such that she co-wrote, entitled “Functional Analysis of Bipartite NRF2 Activators That Overcome Feedback Regulation for Age-Related Chronic Diseases” which focuses on potential treatments for age-related neurodegeneration. The article, which was published in Redox Biology, can be accessed through PubMed here.
Professor Gazaryan shares what she relishes about working with students, “I like when students participate in the classroom, as well as participate in assigned research and presentations.”
Professor Gazaryan enjoys working on research projects with her students within the course “Research in Chemistry 480.” One particular project that Professor Gazaryan worked on with a student involved researching how Catalin eye drops can be used as an antioxidant. Professor Gazaryan highlights the opportunity of Chemistry students to present their research projects at the Undergraduate Research Symposium, which is held annually by NY branch of American Chemical Society.
In addition, Professor Gazaryan likes to see how her students develop a strong understanding of the course material throughout the semester. “I like to see progress among my students and how they are able to solve chemistry problems.” Dr. Gazaryan additionally enjoys helping students and answering any questions they may have. “I always stay fifteen minutes after the lecture class to answer students’ questions in person. I also schedule Zoom sessions for students in case students have questions.”
Professor Gazaryan advises that students planning to take chemistry courses should develop their quantitative skills before enrolling in classes. “It is important to understand algebra, as chemistry problems are mathematical.”
Professor Gazaryan also has important advice for chemistry and biochemistry students, “Make sure to understand nuclear medicine, including radioactive imaging. Understanding nuclear medicine will help you in graduate school.”
While Professor Gazaryan spends a great amount of her time teaching and lecturing about chemistry, Professor Gazaryan shares that in her free time, she likes to “make necklaces and earrings. It can be calming.”