Melissa Pisteljic, M.Sc. is an adjunct researcher in the URPP Human Reproduction Reloaded│H2R at the University of Zurich. Since February 2025, she is affiliated with the Institute of Biomedical Ethics and History of Medicine (IBME) at the University of Zurich.

She is a PhD candidate, supervised by Prof. Dr. med. Tanja Krones, and receives funding from the SNF-project titled Reproductive Health of Transgender and Gender Diverse Persons (“TGP*Repro”). With Prof. Dr. med. Tanja Krones and other associates, Melissa researches in depth on the needs and experiences of transgender people (TGP), peer supporters, and health care professionals regarding reproductive health topics in Switzerland and links these results obtained through open interviews to previously conducted surveys. Her research interests are besides reproductive medicine and LGBTQ+ (trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse people) also decision-making aids for patients and general recommendations for healthcare professionals.

Education

• PhD in Biomedical Ethics and Law (Medical Track), University of Zurich, Switzerland (since 2025)
• Master of Science in Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Switzerland (2023)
• Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry (Biomolecular Track), University of Zurich, Switzerland (2022)

Work and Research Experience

• Lecturer in module "gender diversity", continued education program CAS in Sex- and Gender-Specific Medicine, Universities of Zurich and Bern, Switzerland (since 2024)
• Lecturer in lecture series “Sex and Gender in Medicine”, Medical Faculty, University of Zurich, Switzerland (since 2022)
• Scientific Assistant, Institute of Forensic Medicine – Department of Traffic Medicine, University of Zurich, Switzerland, (2023 – 2024)
• Tutor and Teaching Assistant in multiple courses (CHE 111, CHE 112, twice CHE 170, CHE 175, CHE 904, BME 302), Faculty of Science, University of Zurich, Switzerland (2019 – 2023)