Yosra Ressaissi

II'm Dr. Yosra RESSAISSI, a Tunisian engineer in Livestock and Fodder Resources, holding a research master’s degree in Animal Breeding and Genetics and a PhD in Veterinary Medicine, more specifically in embryology, i.e in vitro embryo production in livestock. During my scientific career, I focused on studying animal genetic resource biodiversity and analyzing genetic variability of indigenous rare populations and breeds. In addition, my research aimed to select animals while developing breeding plans to improve the production and functional traits in livestock. I focused on applying different molecular tools as well as assisted reproduction technologies (ART) in livestock, i.e in vitro embryo production (bovine, ovine), including mono-parental embryos, with the aim to optimize the management, conservation and improvement of animal genetic resources. 

Being a woman involved in science isn’t easy, indeed it is very challenging, though interesting as well. What I really enjoy as a woman in science is the cultural and research exchange. I had the opportunity to visit many countries and to meet different people from different nationalities, which greatly inspired me and changed my mindset on different aspects. I learned to be completely independent, to count only on myself, and to understand the meaning of “me, myself and I”, and I became stronger. Certainly, I faced many obstacles. I had hard times and moments and I felt loneliness. I suffered from injustice and even discrimination, because women are thought to be weak and emotional, but I never gave up simply because of the love I have for my field. Believing in myself and my dreams was always pushing me to go further and to keep looking my way. I do believe that nothing is impossible and that if you dream, it means that your soul is alive. So have faith, be strong, and go for it. Life is about fun and sciences are more fun!