My CAS-PIFI years in Beijing

Sumit Kumar, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology

I was interested to join the group of Prof. Dr. Hua Xiang after I finished my PhD. I worked on biotechnological potential of halophiles during my PhD and wanted to work in a similar field. This was an excellent opportunity as Prof. Xiang’s research was focused on genetics and metabolism of Haloarchaea. After initial communications with Prof. Xiang, I applied for a CAS-PIFI postdoctoral fellowship and was more than happy when my application was accepted. I am forever grateful to the Chinese Academy of Sciences for offering me the prestigious fellowship and Prof. Xiang for hosting me for two years.

I landed in Beijing with subzero temperatures outside. This was my first experience of a subzero climate. I am grateful to Prof Xiang for his kindness in receiving me; the warmth of our meeting was enough to make the cold weather subside. He familiarized me with the lab members and research. My apartment at CAS campus, Zhongguancun, was cosy enough and was my sweet home for the next two years. Being a vegetarian, food was one of my worries but availability of all kind of vegetables, fruits, dried fruits and grocery items helped me to start my kitchen and made my life easier. Dr. Shaoxing Chen helped me in buying the necessary things and also familiarized me with the local shops and campus. Feeling homesick was natural as I missed my home country of India but soon I got adjusted and felt comfortable in Beijing. Being the two most populous countries, I can draw many cultural and behavioral similarities between India and China.

Dr. Dahe Zhao helped me in settling in the lab and we worked together on my defined project. He is a friend forever and helped me in each and every thing of concern. My research during my postdoc tenure demonstrated capability of Halorientalis hydrocarbonoclasticus strain IM1011 for biodegradation of hydrocarbons under high salt concentration and suggested the potential use in bioremediation of petroleum pollution. Moreover, the sequencing and analysis of the first complete genome of haloarchaeal hydrocarbon degrader has yielded key information about hydrocarbon degradation by haloarchaea. This study provided leads for further investigation to decipher mechanism of hydrocarbon degradation under hypersaline conditions by haloarchaea. H. hydrocarbonoclasticus strain IM1011 and its genome are vital resources for applications in industrial biotechnology and scientific research. The research helped to generate information about metabolic pathways and genetic systems of halophilic archaea capable of petroleum hydrocarbon degradation.

I also had a working liaison with Mr. Zhenqiang Zuo and we worked together on systematic classification of halophilic Archaea. The people around one are very important for a good stay and Halolab is best for its joyful, pleasant and supportive atmosphere its people create. The pleasing environment of the lab helps to wade through the many hardships encountered. The lab parties in local restaurants are forever in my memory and I developed a special liking for Chinese food during these get-togethers. I thank all the members of Genetics and Metabolism of the Extremely Halophilic Archaea lab for their full cooperation and support.

I developed an exceptional bonding with Beijing city during my stay. I was fond of the vibrant culture and buzzing streets of the city. Despite the language barrier the people of the city were always willing to help and cooperate. I made many local friends as well as friends from foreign countries. Availability of Indian restaurants in the city was a boon as I was able to enjoy home food. My visit to tourist attractions such as the Great wall, the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven, and Fragrant Hills is forever in my memory. I wish to visit Beijing city again in future.

I thank the Chinese Academy of Sciences for providing me an opportunity to work in China and Prof. Dr. Hua Xiang for mentoring me, providing guidance and hosting me during my fellowship tenure.