As part of our Spring Convocation 2026 coverage, we asked graduates from our six Schools to share their experiences of completing a degree in McGill’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Here, we meet Class of 2026 member Ansley Gnanapragasam from the School of Biomedical Sciences. Ansley completed his PhD in Human Genetics and received his degree at the Spring Convocation Ceremony on May 26. Congratulations Ansley!
Name: Ansley Gnanapragasam
Degree: PhD Human Genetics
Hometown: Montreal, Canada
What did you love most about studying at McGill?
The support shown to students through grants, activities and workshops made me feel welcomed and supported at McGill. It fostered a sense of belonging and community with other students, which I loved.
Please share a particularly proud or challenging moment from your degree.
One thing I have learned about myself and have become particularly proud of during my degree has been my ability to present science in an accessible fashion. I am very proud and honoured to have received 14 conference presentation awards during my PhD tenure at local, national and international conferences.
Any shoutouts?
A huge shoutout to McGill’s Department of Human Genetics! Faculty and staff constantly went out of their way to ensure students are taken care of and opportunities are available. I truly think it’s one of the best programs at McGill. A special shoutout to Ross and Rimi for their hard work.
A top tip for incoming students in your program?
Get involved in as many activities and programs as you can handle. It’s a great way to meet people, build a network and find opportunities for advancement. Wether it is student politics, intermural sports or conferences, there are options for everyone, all of which are extremely valuable.
What’s next for you?
While I love research, positive experiences during my PhD have inspired me to move towards industry jobs at the intersection of business and science.