Bio

AT THE CROSSROAD OF BUSINESS, SCIENCE, AND ART: 

Dr. Marina Mchitarian-Lazaridou's (Greece) professional profile

E-mail: marinamkhitar@gmail.com

Professional Summary

Accomplished and multifaceted professional at the crossroads of Business, Science, and Art, with a unique fundamental scientific background. Possesses a Ph.D. in Physics, two postdoctoral research positions in Archaeology, and formal training in professional photography. Skilled in integrating scientific methods with business strategy, artistic vision, and humanitarian efforts, particularly in high-stakes environments. Dedicated to leveraging a diverse skill set to drive innovative solutions in complex, multidisciplinary projects.

With a diverse international background, I have lived, studied, and worked in five countries and am currently based in Greece. Growing up in Armenia within a binational Armenian-Greek family, I learned four languages and developed a unique, out-of-the-box perspective on global challenges. This experience has nurtured my ability to analyze problems from a holistic, international viewpoint and sparked my passion for solving scientific and cultural issues

My academic and professional journey began with theoretical physics, where my curiosity about the universe's laws led me to pursue a Ph.D. in Physics and study mathematical modeling. My focus shifted towards archaeology, where I explored the evidence of our civilization's history and evolution. I continued my postdoctoral studies in Archaeology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Greece) and Ghent University (Belgium), expanding my expertise into archaeometallurgy.

In parallel with my scientific pursuits, I have cultivated my artistic side. I graduated from the New York Institute of Photography, and my work has resulted in ten photographic exhibitions worldwide, three of which were in the USA. My artistic creativity has become an essential part of my professional identity, helping me blend business, science, and art seamlessly.

Professional Experience

My expertise in Mathematical Modeling has equipped me with a holistic approach, which I applied effectively in the field of Human Resources and Personnel Management. As the Country Human Resource Manager at Coca-Cola Bottlers Armenia (CCHBC) from 1998 to 2001, and later as the Deputy Personnel Director at the Religious and Spiritual Center of All Armenians, I leveraged strategic vision and analytical skills to drive organizational success. These skills allowed me to approach challenges with a data-driven mindset while adapting to the unique dynamics of each role, including collaborating with a clergyman-led leadership team.In addition to my analytical strengths, my artistic creativity has been a key factor in shaping my professional journey. I believe that every decision should be framed with authenticity and presented in an engaging, impactful manner. This approach has fueled my ability to merge business, science, and art effectively.

I have had the unique experience of observing these domains in the most extreme circumstances, particularly in Nagorno-Karabakh, where I collaborated with the American NGO Save Armenian Monuments. This experience was further enriched by my work with the Dutch NGO Walk of Truth, whose mission focused on preserving cultural heritage in conflict zones.

Throughout all of these roles, my strong organizational skills have consistently contributed to the success and effectiveness of projects, allowing me to manage complex initiatives and teams with precision and strategic foresight.

The last 2,5 years, I dedicated to my photographic projects with creative writing (August 2022- January 2025) with building and designing eight personal websites on documentary photography. Every project is a pearl of photography, complete research, and creative writing.   (More: https://marinamkhitar.webnode.page/multimedia-projects )

Key Skills

• Scientific & Technical Proficiency: Strong understanding of advanced scientific principles, mathematical modeling, data analysis, and technological tools that can be applied to both business and creative endeavors. 
• Multidisciplinary Team Management: Expertise in collaborating with professionals from various fields, including scientists, artists, and business leaders, to achieve shared objectives.
• Cross-Cultural & International Collaboration: Extensive experience working on international projects, navigating complex cultural and geopolitical dynamics.
• Resource Allocation & Budgeting: Skilled in managing resources for projects that integrate science, business, and art, balancing creativity with financial and operational constraints.
• Partnership Development: Building and nurturing relationships with stakeholders across academia, art, business, and NGOs, ensuring collaborative and mutually beneficial outcomes.
• Artistic Creativity & Event Organization: Organized global cultural events and exhibitions, with experience in curating high-level cooperative cultural activities that meet international standards.
• Global Networking: Developed a broad network of professionals across diverse industries, fostering access to cutting-edge ideas, research, and creative talent.
• Innovation & Disruption: Ability to identify opportunities at the intersection of business, science, and art, leading to groundbreaking ideas that can disrupt industries.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to pivot between business strategies, scientific research, and creative pursuits to meet changing market demands or societal needs.

Awards & Recognitions

• Nominated for the "Women Building Peace" Award by the US Institute of Peace, Washington, DC, USA.

Hellas, March 2025