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EAG Sponsored student Cendi Dana
Early Career Scientists
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 Author: Invited contribution

From Rocks to Revelations: EAG sponsored student Cendi Dana, research visit to ETH Zurich

Cendi (left) and Prof. Dr. Cyril Chelle-Michou (right) in the LA-ICP-MS lab after completing the analysis.

Nestled in the heart of Switzerland, ETH Zurich stands as a global leader in Earth Sciences. From March 10th to 14th, 2025 I had the privilege of visiting this renowned institution to conduct high-precision U-Pb geochronology analysis on zircon and titanite at the Institute of Geochemistry and Petrology. This visit marked a significant milestone in my PhD research, aimed at constraining the mineralization age of metamorphosed VHMS (volcanic-hosted massive sulfide) deposits in the Eastern Goldfields Superterrane, Yilgarn Craton, Western Australia.

Guided by the expertise of Prof. Dr. Cyril Chelle-Michou and Dr. Lorenzo Tavazzani from the Mineral Resource Systems research group, I delved into advanced geochronological studies. Prior to my arrival, Prof. Chelle-Michou provided invaluable advice on sample preparation and treatment—critical steps for ensuring precise isotopic measurements. At ETH Zurich, I worked with the RESOlution S-155 (ASI/Applied Spectra) 193-nm ArF excimer laser ablation system, coupled with an Element XR (Thermo) sector-field ICP-mass spectrometer. On the day of analysis, Dr. Tavazzani guided me through the laboratory setup and data processing, offering hands-on training that deepened my understanding of U-Pb dating techniques and enhanced my analytical proficiency.

Cendi standing in front of the magnificent main building of ETH Zurich.

Beyond laboratory work, I had the opportunity to present my PhD research to the Mineral Resource Systems research group. My project focuses on developing geochemical vectors to aid in the exploration of metamorphosed VHMS deposits. Engaging with researchers from diverse backgrounds provided fresh perspectives and constructive feedback, strengthening my approach to this intricate field. Prof. Chelle-Michou also introduced me to the wider research community, enabling me to attend a weekly seminar at the Institute of Geochemistry and Petrology. This exposure expanded my scientific network and facilitated discussions with some of the most distinguished minds in Earth Sciences.

The high-precision U-Pb geochronology analysis on zircon and titanite at the Institute of Geochemistry and Petrology, ETH Zurich.

Growing up in Indonesia, where international research opportunities are scarce, I had long aspired to study at ETH Zurich. While I did not pursue a full degree there, this research visit was a realization of that dream. ETH Zurich’s reputation as a world-class institution in Earth Sciences made this experience all the more rewarding. My visit was made possible through the generous support of the European Association of Geochemistry (EAG) via their Student Sponsorship program. I am immensely grateful for this opportunity and strongly encourage fellow geology students to explore similar research visits. For those passionate about geochemistry and eager to collaborate with leading experts, joining EAG is a fantastic first step toward unlocking incredible opportunities.

As I return from this unforgettable experience, I bring back not just valuable research data but also new connections, insights, and inspiration. Science thrives on collaboration, and this visit reinforced the power of global partnerships in driving geological discoveries forward.

About the Author

Cendi D.P. Dana, Ph.D. student at the School of GeoSciences, University of Edinburgh.

Cendi Dana

Cendi D.P. Dana is currently a full-time Ph.D. student at the School of GeoSciences, The University of Edinburgh, establishing geochemical vectors to aid the discovery of metamorphosed volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits, particularly in Archean terranes. He earned his M.Sc. degree in earth resource science at Akita University, Japan, where he elucidated the base metal mineralization in the Central Borneo metallogenic belt. He also holds a B.Eng. degree in geological engineering from Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia, where he investigated the geology of epithermal gold-base metal deposits in Western Java. Prior his master’s study, he worked at PT Kapuas Prima Coal, Tbk., as a brownfield exploration geologist looking for skarn deposits within the Schwaner Mountains, Central Borneo. He also joined a summer internship program with Japan Gold Corp. during his master’s study for a soil sampling campaign associated with the Ikutahara epithermal gold project at Hokkaido.