Dr. Vaughan Turekian, Science and Technology Adviser to the U.S. Secretary of State, met students at Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University (TSU) on April 11. Professors from the partner universities of San Diego State University, representatives of the U.S. Embassy to Georgia, Millennium Challenge Corporation and Millennium Challenge Account attended the event.
Dr. Vaughan Turekian spoke on a topic “The Relationship between Science, Innovation and Business” and then answered student questions. “I am glad to visit Georgia and have an opportunity to meet with those students, who have just started their career in science and engineering,” Dr. Vaughan Turekian said. He also said that there are a lot of spheres, in which the government invests money to further develop business, entrepreneurship, new technologies and scientific field. Just motivated students create a connection between San Diego State University and Tbilisi State University and the key part of their relationship is linked with global scientific community, he said.
“Dr. Vaughan Turekian, who is the Science and Technology Adviser to the U.S. Secretary of State, visited the university. Similar meetings are extremely important for the university and generally for the Georgian scientific community. He spoke about many important issues; the program between TSU and San Diego State University is especially hopeful as it will further boost our ties with the western scientific community,” Deputy Rector of TSU, Ioseb Salukvadze said.
Dean of San Diego State University, Ken Walsh said that students had a brilliant opportunity to meet one of the U.S. officials. He said that similar partnership between Georgia and the U.S. Government will promote Georgia’s economic development and increase the role of science in engineering.
“We, the students from San Diego State University, are glad to attend the lectures delivered by successful people and ask them questions about interesting issues,” Ani Shalamberidze, student from San Diego State University, said.
Dr. Vaughan Turekian assumed his role as the fifth Science and Technology Adviser to the Secretary of State in September, 2015. In this capacity, he advises the Secretary of State and the Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment on international environment, science, technology, and health matters affecting the foreign policy of the United States. Dr. Turekian draws upon his background in atmospheric chemistry and extensive policy experience to promote science, technology, and engineering as integral components of U.S. diplomacy.
