NAS Women: If you have a positive outlook on life, you will find inspiration in most places

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!

- Author Martie Meyer

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