My name is Taif Shah, and I come from Pakistan. As a 1st-year postdoctoral biology student at the Faculty of Life Science, Kunming University of Science and Technology (KUST), I have gained immense learning experience in many aspects of my life.
In August 2016, I left my country and started a doctoral study in China, funded by the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC). I received my Ph.D. in 2021 at the Faculty of Life Science and Technology KUST, Kunming. I then joined the research group of Prof. Xia Xueshan at the same Institution for postdoctoral study. He has published more than 25 research articles in well-reputed journals.
Over the last few years, I have developed and honed my abilities in the inclusive Chinese culture. The hard-won CSC scholarship makes this opportunity more precious to me. Through the extensive and profound Chinese culture, I have gained vast learning experience in many aspects of my life. In addition to Chinese language courses, I have studied many subjects and practiced advanced research techniques in my research work.
For a Doctoral/Postdoc student, virtue involves mastering research techniques, showing compassion and caring for students, keeping up with social trends, leading a positive life, and improving my doctoral student goals.
Till 2017, I followed my research supervisor's instructions and planned to study and conduct research on black spot disease and several other human and animal infectious diseases.
In the first semester of Ph.D. study, I studied four exciting Chinese language courses when I was introduced to this exciting and one of the oldest languages in the world. I learned about Chinese culture, Chinese characters, Chinese writing, reading, and speaking. Chinese is quite a tricky language, but it is not impossible to learn with dedication.
After years of hard work, I have learned enough to communicate with my Chinese friends, teachers, and lab-mates. During my stay in China, I attended numerous events and made many Chinese friends. All this new experience was wonderful to learn more about China, Chinese culture, Chinese traditions, Chinese festivals, foods, improving the Chinese language, and the good habits of the Chinese people, which are the reason for their success as the world's fastest-growing economy.
The university organized many entertainments and learning events that kept me busy in a healthy learning environment during my study period. Besides having Chinese festival-related activities such as the Chinese spring festival, and mid-autumn festival, the school also organized a campus-opening day ceremony and sports festival that improved my knowledge of the Chinese education system.
As a doctoral/postdoc student, I was assigned to experimental research projects. Therefore, I spent almost every night on the research work. Hard work gives me a sense of accomplishment. I would like to thank my supervisors, Prof. Cui Xiuming and Prof. Xia Xueshan, for allowing me to participate as a principal member of the National Natural Sciences Foundation of China.
My research projects spanned numerous experimental techniques, such as sequence retrieval from various public databases, qRT-PCR analysis, nucleic acid extraction and amplification, protein expression and isolation, etc. As the first author, I published several SCI articles.
These experiments involved basic and advanced techniques related to my interest subject, which I had never experienced before I came to China. As a co-author, I published several SCI research articles while studying at KUST. Helping my lab-mates improve my scientific writing skills as a win-win approach in their publications.
During my doctoral study, I visited P. notoginseng prefecture in Wenshan of Yunnan Province. It was a memorable study tour where we met and listened to scientists in our field from different parts of the country. There, I experienced planting in P. notoginseng. The one-day P. notoginseng plantation in KUST also added to my experience of such events.
My life in China has been exposed to the international community. The CSC program is a genuine cultural exchange, including the Chinese language, festivals, sports, and food. I have learned punctuality, honesty, humility, care, knowledge sharing, generosity, and hospitality from my Chinese friends.
Here I came to know the reason behind China's abrupt and enormous development worldwide, all due to the Chinese people's hard work. China is collaborating with itself and other countries in various mega-projects to raise the living standards of third-world countries, including Asian and African countries.
The one-belt-one-road initiative is an example of such a noble intention to connect the global village. China has proved to be a truly loyal friend to all countries, particularly Pakistan, where China developed various sectors.
The academic experience and achievements gained through the generous CSC scholarship adored my academic profile, helping me achieve my career goals. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Chinese government for providing all the necessary resources to complete my doctoral studies and experience in China.
