From the Guajira desert to the midnight sun: my search for Arctic microbes begins

Discovering the Sub-Arctic: My Journey to Find Arctic Isoprene-Degrading Microbes

When we’re kids, people often ask us what we want to be when we grow up. We think of familiar roles, the kinds of jobs we can see and imagine. I was born in Maicao and growing up in Mushaisa, on the edge of Colombia’s desert, I could picture many things—but working in the Arctic? That seemed as distant as another planet. And yet, here I am, chasing a dream I didn’t even know I had.

Earlier this year, I was awarded a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions postdoctoral fellowship to join the VOLT - Center for Volatile Interactions at the University of Copenhagen, focusing on Arctic isoprene-degrading microbes. This project was a dream come true for me and of great interest to my supervising team. My research project began with a sampling trip to Abisko, Sweden, in July—a journey full of valuable lessons and surprises that I couldn’t have predicted without venturing to the sub-Arctic.

The Midnight Sun: A Warm Welcome to the Arctic

Arriving at Evenes Airport close to midnight, I was greeted by the midnight sun—a surreal sight for someone used to Colombia’s steady day-night cycle. The sun hung low and bright, casting shades of pink and orange across the sky. Even at this late hour, it felt like an invitation to explore. Standing there in the Arctic light, I couldn’t wait to dive into Abisko’s landscapes and begin my search for these unique microbes.

Exploring Sub-Arctic Ecosystems and Microbial Niches

Abisko’s landscapes are as striking as they are scientifically intriguing. From bubbling lakes to dense shrubs, tiny Salix willow leaves, and vibrant mosses, every environment here felt both delicate and resilient. Each sampling site offered a glimpse into the incredible microbial ecosystems that can thrive in these Arctic conditions.

Some of my sampling sites were beds of colorful mosses, which play a key role in retaining moisture and creating microhabitats for all kinds of tiny life forms. Walking on these landscapes felt like walking on a pillow (https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCKvSoIN0_e/?igsh=MTd3MzBxYmhrY2thYw==). Later, I visited a site dense with Betula shrubs. Sampling soil wasn’t as easy as I thought; the ground was rich in plant roots I couldn’t identify or separate, moss was abundant, and finding soil was a challenge. I even found Salix plants growing directly on rocks! Each sample I took felt like uncovering a small part of a much larger story about how plants and microbes survive and adapt to our changing climate. These were lessons I needed to learn before diving further into my discoveries.

Reflections on a Microbial Journey

This trip to Abisko wasn’t just about finding isoprene-degrading microbes; it was about connecting to a larger picture of nature’s resilience. The more I learned about the Arctic’s ecosystems, the more I realized how interconnected everything is—from the resilient flora to the microbes beneath the soil. Being surrounded by such raw beauty also reminded me of my responsibility as a scientist to help protect these delicate environments.

The Road Ahead

Reflecting on this journey from my roots in Maicao to the Arctic landscapes of Abisko, I’m struck by the unexpected path that brought me here. Growing up, I never imagined I’d be chasing microbes across the sub-Arctic or exploring ecosystems so far from home. And yet, standing here, I see how every step—from my early fascination with resilient organisms in a mining town to this research on isoprene-degrading microbes—has led me to this point.

As I continue this project, my excitement grows for the discoveries ahead and the chance to deepen our understanding of these vital ecosystems. My hope is that this story inspires curiosity about the invisible life all around us, whether it’s in the sands of Maicao or the mossy beds of Abisko. After all, sometimes the most extraordinary journeys are the ones we never planned.

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