Today we invite Dr. Chi-Te Liu, an associate professor of the Institute of Biotechnology (IOB), to share his journey of research and development. Dr. Liu’s research interests focus on S.E.A, i.e. Symbiosis (Microbe-Plant interactions), Environmental microbiology, and Agricultural biotechnology. The current projects in his lab including (1) development of multifunctional PGPR agents (biofertilizers & biopesticides), (2) exploring the molecular mechanisms of plant-microbe interactions, (3) biodegradation of synthetic plastics, and (4) employing soil-based microbial batteries for sustainable agriculture and energy.
After graduating from the Department of Agricultural Chemistry at NTU, he went to Graduate School of The University of Tokyo to study soil microorganisms, and the association of pants with these microbes. Look back on the period of study abroad and work, He told us that he ever experienced various pressures, frustrations or life transitions. He also felt confused about the future path during PhD course and the postdoctoral fellow. The reason why he can continue to move forward is that in addition to the support and encouragement from families and friends, a very important factor is that his faith allows him to rely on God, and he can have peace and stability even in adversity.
Dr. Liu told us that he often uses 7 C terms to encourage lab members, i.e. Curiosity, Commitment, Challenge, Chance, Communication, Collaboration, Continuance. He encourages IOB students to think about "what you are good at", "things that make yourself feel valued" and "things that can help others" while you are going to choose your career path. The intersection of these three criteria is the probably "calling'' for you. He shared us the reason why he decided to become a teacher. When he studied abroad, he also taught chemistry in a local senior high school as a part-time lecturer. He said he could never forget the students’ expressions turned from confused to bright when they could understand the difficult lessons through his explanation by metaphors. Moreover, when the students told him that they were really looking forward to join his experimental classes, he felt it's worth the efforts. All these made him feel that being a teacher is a very meaningful job, and he is so glad he made this decision.
