AusIMM recently sat down with Dana Imbrogno AAusIMM, recipient of our 2024 Education Endowment Fund (EEF) Postgraduate Research Scholarship.
Dana is currently pursuing her PhD at the University of Adelaide within the tectonics and Earth systems research group.
Her research, which focuses on the Batten Fault Zone in the McArthur Basin, aims to unravel basin processes using sedimentary geochemistry and geochronology, and adopts an interdisciplinary approach to tackling real-world challenges in the minerals sector.
Dana Imbrogno.
Dana's academic journey includes completing her undergraduate degree in Mineral Geoscience at the University of Adelaide and receiving accolades such as the Playford Trust/Cooper Energy Honours Geoscience Scholarship in 2022 and the AusIMM Adelaide Branch Auxiliary Book Prize in 2021.
Dana's active involvement in university and professional societies, including participating in the local AusIMM Student Chapter and serving as Treasurer of the Adelaide University Geological Society, highlights her commitment to both academic and professional growth.
We asked Dana to share information about her research and her experiences and insights gained through the EEF Postgraduate Research Scholarship. She reflects on the positive impact of financial aid on her research and work-life balance, and the importance of the connection between her research and the mining industry. Dana also offers valuable advice for postgraduate students considering applying for the Scholarship in future.
Can you tell us about your research?
The McArthur Basin in the Northern Territory is comprised of stacked sedimentary sequences from the Proterozoic, notably hosting the McArthur River and Teena Pb-Zn deposits.
My research uses litho-stratigraphy, geochronology, and sedimentary geochemistry over four sub-basins in the Batten Fault Zone, McArthur River, to correlate depositional sequences and highlight post-depositional alteration characteristics. I am aiming to answer questions surrounding Earth systems and tectonic processes during this time of little preservation of life and productivity. The final chapter will integrate these findings to explain the patterns of mineralisation over various sub-basins and refine our understanding of the timing of ore formation. This approach will help uncover why certain areas are rich in Pb-Zn bearing minerals and provide a clearer picture of how these deposits formed.
Core logging research.
Dana at Arkaroola and Pichi Richi, where she is a university teaching assistant.
What have been the benefits from your Scholarship?
Two of the most rewarding aspects have been the EEF field trip to Tasmania and the mentoring program. The field trip allowed for socialising and networking with other EEF Scholarship recipients while being in the ideal environment to learn about broader aspects of the mining industry. I had my first opportunity to go underground in a mine, learned from my fellow peers about the engineering side of the industry, and became exposed to some amazing Tasmanian mineral deposits.
The mentoring program has allowed me to ask questions about navigating my future career in mining and creating networks of professionals who can provide guidance and support. Through this program, I have gained invaluable insights into industry trends, potential career paths, and strategies for professional development. My mentor has shared their experiences, offered practical advice, and helped me set realistic goals for my career progression.
Dana (middle) with other scholarship recipients during the field trip in Tasmania, July 2024.
How has the financial aid helped you in your research and studies?
Alongside the networking and career development opportunities, the monetary component has been extremely beneficial to me as a PhD student. Work-life-balance is crucial to maintaining both mental and physical health, with this scholarship providing the financial support needed to focus on my research without the burden of financial stresses. This funding has enabled me to invest in necessary resources, attend
relevant conferences, and dedicate more time to my studies and professional growth.
How do you plan to use the experiences and knowledge gained from the EEF scholarship in your future endeavours?
The scholarship has provided me with a sense of community and belonging within the mining industry. The connections I've made with both peers and professionals have not only broadened my understanding of the field but also inspired me to pursue my ambitions with greater confidence and enthusiasm.
The practical knowledge from the resources that AusIMM offer, such as field trips and technical exposure, are key factors to my career development as a geologist, and I look forward to growing and learning throughout my career in the minerals industry.
Do you have any advice for postgraduate students looking to apply for the EEF Postgraduate Research Scholarship?
I would say to remain enthusiastic throughout the process! The minerals industry is dynamic and exciting, offering a fantastic environment to grow and lead. Share your commitment to addressing the industry's challenges and ask yourself, 'how do you plan to leverage your skills from research to make an impact in the minerals industry?'
Showcase your past experiences, either from the mining sector or through study, work, and extracurriculars, and how your leadership potential has shone through in these roles. As a postgraduate student passionate about geoscience, chemical engineering or mining engineering, use this opportunity to highlight your dedication to making a positive influence on the world around you.
Applications for the Education Endowment Fund Scholarship will open again next year. We offer two streams of EEF scholarships, available to Australian citizens or permanent residents enrolled at an Australian university. Our Premium Scholarships; available to undergraduate students, and our Postgraduate Research Scholarships; available for postgraduate students.
