Akmaral Agibayeva

After completing my Master’s degree, I was eager to transition into environmental science and began searching for PhD opportunities. I found a project at Nazarbayev University’s Civil and Environmental Engineering Department that perfectly matched my academic background. Coming from a different field (with a Bachelor’s in Biological Sciences and a Master’s in Public Health), the Civil Engineering courses were initially challenging. However, once I started my research, I quickly realized their value.
NU provided me with numerous opportunities to participate in diverse research projects and collaborate with both local and foreign universities. Throughout my PhD, I’ve worked on experimental studies, social research, and modeling/forecasting projects. I also had the chance to collaborate with faculty from KazNU, the University of Pittsburgh, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, and was involved in the European Circular B COST Action-CA21103 initiative.
The PhD program allowed me to develop a broad range of skills. As a Teaching Assistant for courses ranging from Biology to Fluid Mechanics, I gained interdisciplinary knowledge and valuable experience in research, problem-solving, and management, whether addressing lab issues or organizing student activities. These experiences gave me a solid foundation for pursuing a career in academia. While NU’s advanced research facilities are impressive, it’s the people who truly make a difference. The support and motivation I received here have been incredible, shaping my academic journey.