In the first day of teaching, when I wore my white apron, I said that this is exactly what I want to do
Education
- 2013 : PhD thesis in mathematics, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, Tunis-Elmanar University.
- 2005 : AGREGATION EXTERNE section : MATHEMATIQUES, IPEST
- 2005 : E.N.S. of TUNIS diploma (Ecole Normale Supérieure), Tunis University.
- 2004 : Maitrise de mathématiques. Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, Tunis-Elmanar University.
- 2002 : DEUPC Diploma MPI. Faculty of Sciences of Monastir, Monastir University.
Professional experience
- 2015-2018: Assistant professor in mathematics, I.P.E.I.M, Monastir University
- 2009-2014: Assistant in mathematics, I.P.E.I.M, Monastir University
- 2008-2009: Professor (Agrégée) in mathematics, I.P.E.I.M, Monastir University
- 2005-2008: Professor(Agrégée) in mathematics, I.S.S.A.T Gabes, Gabes University.
Questionnaire
Your story with mathematics
When have you decided to be a mathematician and why?
It was at the age of 12 that I decided to be a mathematician and to spend my life learning and teaching mathematics. I was a brilliant student in all subjects. Our educational system promotes maths. I was esteemed by my surrounding: my parents, my teachers, my colleagues, when I succeeded in maths test. This gives me self satisfaction.
What fascinates you about Mathematics?
Overcome the difficulties and the joy I find after solving a mathematical problem.
Has anyone influenced your decision to become a mathematician and how?
The educational system influenced me to become a mathematician but I had the freedom to make my choice.
Has anyone supported you in your choice and during your career?
My parents, ENS of Tunis (Tunis university) until becoming a teacher in mathematics.
Would you see it was easy for you to enter your field, and ultimately excel? What challenges did you encounter on the way?
There is no difficulty to enter and excel in this field. I have the challenge to continue research in mathematics and succeed to build a family and a social life. It was difficult for me to convince my surrounding that I can do it.
What is the funniest or most memorable thing that has happened to you while working in mathematics?
In the first day of teaching, when I wore my white apron, I said that this is exactly what I want to do.
Career and Family
Do you have kids? Tell us about balancing family life with work life?
I have two kids. It's hard to manage both career and private life but comprehension of the husband and the family makes it easier.
Women and Mathematics
What were the biggest obstacles you had to overcome?
Socially, the main task of a woman is to look after her family and to raise her children well. So, it's hard for a woman to move.
Tell us about the organizations for women mathematicians that you are a part of? How has this helped your career?
Tunisian women mathematician association TWMA. Meet women in the same situation it gives motivation to continue working The association is a space to express itself and share its ideas
Do you consider it necessary to organize special programs like Girl’s Day promoting mathematics for girls in schools? What else, do you think, could
further be done to support woman with mathematics as their career?
According to my experience there is no need to promote mathematics for girls in schools. The presence of women in math education attracts girls to
practice this career.
Teaching mathematics, especially to non-mathematicians, can be a challenge. What is your strategy to catch and keep the attention of your audience?
I give examples that they could understand and ask them a question.
How would you explain your research to a layman (non-specialist)?
I can explain that what we do is to set the theoretical part that a researcher in another field could use
Can you tell us about the applications of your research, if any?
signals, radar, music diffraction phenomena...
Conclusion
What are your biggest achievements, and what your biggest failures?
Aggregation degree in mathematics was my biggest achievement in the teaching field but also it makes hard for me to get into math research.
Do you have a dream? Any particular problem you dream to solve now?
Working on myself, I could succeed to realize my dream.
Which advice would you give to young girls who want to engage a career in mathematics?
Be persevering, work hard and get rid of shyness.