Desissa Yadeta Muleta from Ethiopia, is a doctor candidate at the School of Science. Sponsored by the Chinese government scholarship, Desissa was admitted into Tianjin University in September 2017 and joined the scientific research team led by Prof. Hu Wenping in 2018. Together with Prof. Hu’s team, Desissa made a name for himself as an arduous student and an able researcher.
Under the guidance of his instructor, Desissa began to study the preparation and performance of organic long-persistent luminescence (OLPL) materials induced by long-lived charge separation at the beginning of 2019. In May of that year, Desissa, as the second author, published an article in the top international journal of materials science Advanced Functional Materials, which mainly introduces the preparation of a D-A type high brightness metal-free pure organic long-persistent luminescence (OLPL) materials that can be triggered by low energy.
However, the organic long-persistent luminescent materials can be easily quenched in aqueous solutions or air, which limits their wide applications. In order to overcome this challenge, Desissa has been experimenting day and night for two years, constantly trying to change the main material to improve its stability. He then found DPA based OLPL and chose it as the main material. The stable LPL performance of this crystalline material is visible for over 8 seconds and can be maintained for at least three months and even a year in aqueous solution or in air.
With the assistance of two Chinese students, Song Jiawei and Feng Wenhui, Desissa’s research results were published in the high-level journal of materials science Journal of Materials Chemistry C, and pose a great application prospect, especially in regard to those involving in vivo deep-tissue bio-imaging.
When asked to share his scientific research experience, Desissa said frankly that he found DPA based OLPL accidentally after many failed experiments. “You know, for me, failure is a great opportunity,” said Desissa, noting that it was the abnormal phenomenon of the experimental results that induced him to keep thinking and reflecting. "It took me two years to find the main materials. I owe my success to my perseverance and diligent thinking, and I have never been afraid of difficulties and bottlenecks because for me, the error of the past is the wisdom of the future .”
As a great fan of chemistry, Desissa is indulged in scientific research and revels in the process of experiments. In order to find the new material that has better quality, Desissa has been experimenting day and night for two years. “I used to work in the lab from 8 am to 8 pm everyday in the past two years. I even didn’t go back to my motherland during the pandemic.” Desissa said. Despite a number of setbacks, he persevered in his experiments and finally he found DPA based OLPL.
Desissa thinks that there are some factors key to innovation and achievements in scientific research.
“Firstly, focus on your goal; secondly, be positive no matter the experimental result is satisfying or disappointing; thirdly, don’t blame others for your failure and you should be responsible for yourself; and lastly, love your work and keep working until you achieve success. Scientific research may seem to be boring and demanding, but as long as we persevere in tackling issues, we may obtain unprecedented achievements.”
As an international student who has stayed in China for four years, Desissa was most impressed by the country’s fast development.
“The Chinese government is very responsible and committed to raising people’s welfare. The best example is poverty alleviation. ”Desissa said. He loves China and enjoys his life here. He believes that China is the safest country in the world, especially given that the epidemic is still raging abroad. “China provides a safe and comfortable living environment for the people, which is the foundation of its development.”
Desissa also cherishes the study opportunity at Tianjin University very much. “TJU has a strong academic atmosphere with convenient living facilities and its laboratories are well-equipped and advanced. I really enjoy my life here. ” He spent most of his time studying.
He mentioned that his classmates and teachers have given him a lot of help. “Professor Hu’s academic thinking has deeply affected me! Professor Wang Tianyang’s patient guidance has made me progress quickly! Thanks to all the teachers and classmates of the team!” Desissa noted. " Everyone is very friendly. The inspiring and amiable atmosphere makes me confident in my future scientific research."
Desissa is not only an excellent learner, but also has a great passion for teaching. He had worked as a chemistry teacher at a university in Ethiopia for seven years before he came to TJU. He then taught basic chemistry course for postgraduate students during his doctoral period at Tianjin University.
In the future，Desissa plans to work in China and continue his study. He will further the research in the application of the DPA based OLPL, especially in biological application. As of the interview day, he told the reporter that he had submitted another paper that may advance the development of the research and he enjoyed this wonderful feeling of giving back to Tianjin University with high-level scientific research.
By Deng Qi, Ren Xiangyun
Editor: Eva Yin
