On the front lines of deep-sea microbial exploration and marine ecological conservation, the dedicated figures of Zhejiang University's marine scientists are actively at work. Zhaochao DENG, a 2023 doctoral graduate from ZJU Ocean College, has continued to delve deeply into the field of halogenated organic pollutant degradation, safeguarding the blue seas through scientific research and vividly embodying the profound essence of seeking truth and innovation for marine students in the new era.

His advisor, Professor Chunfang ZHANG, remarked that Zhaochao DENG possesses strong self-motivation and a keen curiosity for scientific exploration, while also demonstrating a high sensitivity to new discoveries; his work is characterized by precision and rigor. In daily life, Zhaochao DENG serves as the unifying force of the laboratory, and everyone affectionately calls him Brother Chao.

Recently, we spoke with Zhaochao DENG, now a key academic member of Fisheries College at Zhejiang Ocean University, to explore his dedication to research and the path to his breakthroughs.

The Journey of Research Is Like a Roller Coaster

Looking back on his doctoral studies at ZJU Ocean College, Zhaochao DENG still vividly recalls that roller coaster-like journey of scientific exploration. The story began with his and his advisor, Professor Chunfang ZHANG's, keen interest in a set of dehalogenation cultures. The original research topic was to investigate the impact of microplastics on microbial dehalogenation. However, after testing all known functional bacteria, they could not identify the key player, forcing the project to pivot toward the question: Which is actually playing the role?

Due to a lack of experience, he mistakenly zeroed in on a specific target bacterium. After investing a great deal of time and effort, progress remained elusive. Starting in the second half of his second year of doctoral studies, his experiments stalled for an extended period, and confusion and anguish became his constant companions. During that time, I would often stay up until two or three in the morning, feeling a despair that made me almost ready to give up on my studies. But Professor Zhang would always pull me back from the brink at six or seven in the morning with rational analysis and steadfast encouragement,  said Zhaochao DENG. At the time, he had just gotten married, and the pressures of research setbacks and personal life piled up, yet he never stopped moving forward.

Ultimately, with the support of his advisor and senior colleagues in the field, he discovered a previously unknown species of marine reductive dehalogenating bacterium. It was hidden in minuscule quantities under the protection of the erroneous target bacterium, yet it performed a critical degradation function. Had it not been for repeated culturing and unwavering persistence, they would have almost missed this significant discovery—and it was precisely because of this academic breakthrough that his doctoral dissertation was awarded the National Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation by the Chinese Society for Oceanography(SCO).

Research Is Never a Solo Endeavor

After earning his Ph.D., Zhaochao DENG joined the Zhoushan Marine Research Center at Zhejiang University to pursue postdoctoral research. There, his research horizons broadened further, and he gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of research strategy and teamwork.

During an academic presentation, he was deeply inspired by Researcher Xiangyang DONG's work on deep-sea cold seep microorganisms. Based on shared interests and complementary strengths, he quickly established a collaborative relationship with the relevant team, temporarily assuming a leading role to participate in every aspect of project advancement, strategy formulation, and team collaboration.

Through this collaboration, the team confirmed the presence of hundreds of reductive dehalogenating microorganisms in cold seep environments. These organisms are extensively involved in biogeochemical cycles and are crucial for maintaining ecological stability. Building on this foundation, we shifted our research focus from 'what dehalogenating microorganisms exist in cold seeps' to 'why they are able to survive there.'

To solve this key question, the team conducted extensive screening and experimentation. Ultimately, Zhaochao DENG led the development of an efficient microbial enrichment strategy and, combined with multi-omics approaches, deduced their environmental adaptation mechanisms, providing new insights for research in this field. The relevant findings were published in journals such as *Microbiome* and *Water Research*.

Every breakthrough was made possible by the full support of Professor ZHANG and my team members. I have personally experienced the research styles and managerial wisdom of different top-tier teams.  Zhaochao DENG candidly admitted that this cross-disciplinary collaboration made him realize that cooperation is the key driving force behind scientific innovation: Research is never a solitary endeavor.

The Significance Behind Authoritative Recognition

His long-term dedication to research has finally garnered authoritative recognition: Alumnus Zhaochao DENG was selected for the National Postdoctoral Program and received a top-tier rating in the performance evaluation two years later—only four postdoctoral researchers in marine-related disciplines nationwide received this rating that year.

For me, this is a shot in the arm, as well as a source of gratitude worth cherishing, he said. He jokingly referred to himself as an elderly Ph.D. who graduated at the age of 33, noting that this recognition not only provides stable academic support but also opens up a broader stage for his research. During this period, he was also selected for the International Society for Microbial Ecology (ISME) Early Career Scientist Review Expert Pool, served as a Young Editorial Board Member for *iMeta*, and had the opportunity to engage in in-depth exchanges with top peers both domestically and internationally.

Age is not a barrier; as long as you persevere, the future holds infinite possibilities, Zhaochao DENG said with deep conviction. 

Being an Engaging and Resilient Researcher

Reflecting on Zhaochao DENG's research journey, he fondly noted that the support from the Ocean College and the ZJU Ocean Research Center of Zhoushan has formed the solid foundation of his academic career.

ZJU Ocean College's vibrant academic atmosphere, multidisciplinary platforms, and Professor Chunfang ZHANG's dedicated guidance provided me with systematic research training and a broad academic perspective, Zhaochao DENG said. He added that the ZJU Ocean Research Center of Zhoushan offered him stable financial support and an excellent research environment, allowing him to devote himself entirely to his work.

This multidimensional empowerment has become his key source of confidence in overcoming challenges. With this in mind, he offered the following advice to his younger peers at ZJU Ocean College: First, believe in the power of patience and do not fear anxiety; second, make good use of the top-tier platforms around you and proactively explore valuable resources; third, maintain a pure sense of curiosity, as it is the best internal driving force.

A true scientist is both persistent and able to coexist with problems over the long term; they are rigorous yet retain their innocence and curiosity. I hope that my younger peers will all become such interesting and resilient individuals on their scientific journey.

With the original aspirations and steadfast commitment of a Zhejiang University marine scientist, alumnus Zhaochao DENG continues to explore the unknown world of deep-sea microorganisms, demonstrating his sense of responsibility through a series of scientific achievements. We believe that in the future, he will continue to lead the way in interdisciplinary research with a spirit of seeking truth and a passion for the ocean, inspiring more young people to persevere in their respective fields and contribute their wisdom and strength to the development of the nation's marine endeavors.

(Xiaohua ZHOU)