Posted on August 23, 2021
NAS Women: If you have a positive outlook on life, you will find inspiration in most places
Women’s Month: Prof Esté van Marle-Köster
Q: Job title and in which department/research entity do you work?
A: Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Animal Science. I teach and research livestock breeding and genetics.
Q: What has been the highlight of your career?
A: I don't want to single out one highlight, but the most exciting time of my career was when I started my PhD research - I came from the industry. I found the academic environment stimulating and exciting. Still happy and in the right space!
Q: What inspires you?
A: I get inspired by going for a long walk, preferably on the beach, watching the rain, reading, travelling. Probably all of this is linked to a positive environment - if you have a positive outlook on life, you will find inspiration in most places.
Q: What challenges have you experienced in your career?
A: Animal Science was very much a male-dominated career when I graduated - I was one of two females in my class of 1986. I was only the third female Animal Scientist in South Africa to obtain a PhD degree - the challenge was to work harder.
Q: What message do you have for the youth of South Africa?
A: Have a positive attitude and resilience - seize the opportunities coming your way!
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