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 Nariman Amantayev from the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders. Nariman completed his PhD in Communication Sciences and Disorders and received his degree at the Spring Convocation Ceremony on May 26. Congratulations Nariman!
Name: Nariman Amantayev
Degree: PhD in Communication Sciences and Disorders (Specialization in Language Acquisition)
Hometown: Astana, Kazakhstan
What did you love most about studying in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences?
I loved the excellent professors at the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders and the supportive, collaborative environment in my cohort. The cohort in particular was outstanding–I genuinely think they are the best!
If you could change one thing in the world to make it better, what would you choose?
I work toward improving how neurodevelopmental differences are understood and supported early, with the aim of reducing barriers to diagnosis, services and inclusion. I want to advance access to evidence-based early intervention and contributing to efforts that reduce stigma around autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions.
What was a particularly proud or challenging moment from your degree?
I’m proud that I was able to take the knowledge I gained during my PhD in autism research and translate it into something meaningful for people in the region where I come from. Academic knowledge can often feel distant or overly technical, especially in contexts where awareness of autism and neurodevelopmental conditions is still developing.
I made a conscious effort to communicate findings in clear, practical language, focusing on real-life experiences, early signs and evidence-based support strategies. It was especially meaningful to hear feedback from parents and individuals who said this information helped them better understand their own experiences or those of their children. In some cases, it led them to seek earlier assessment or support.
Knowing that my work contributed, even in small but real ways, to improving people’s daily lives and reducing confusion and stigma around autism was both humbling and deeply motivating.
Your fave places to eat and study?
My favourite spot to eat is a Vietnamese restaurant called Pho Bang New York in Chinatown. They serve some of the best pho I’ve ever had, and their oxtail soup on weekends is exceptional.
For studying, I prefer working at my lab, The Psychology of Pragmatics (PoP) Lab. It’s a place that holds a lot of meaning for me because I wrote a significant part of my doctoral thesis there, so it feels both productive and familiar in the best way.
For you, what defines the past few years as a student at McGill?
For me, there have been a couple of very specific “McGill-era” staples! One was Super Sandwich. The sandwiches were cheap, huge, and really good, so a lot of us would grab one regularly between work and classes.
Another is the “hot dog man” outside the Arts building. He’s a local landmark at this point! Grabbing a hot dog there between meetings or on the way across campus became one of those small yet very recognizable student life moments.
What’s next for you?
I’ll continue supporting the autistic and neurodivergent community through research and science communication. I want to keep building a bridge between science and the public in a way that is accessible and useful in real life. I’m also exploring the idea of writing a book, or something similar, to bring these topics to a broader audience.