Scholarship recipients
Welcome to our page dedicated to SSEF Education Scholarship recipients.
Learn more about their background in gemmology, their course experience and much more!
Coralie Heinis Dias, Brazil (2024) - Scientific Gemmology Course
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background in gemmology or related fields? What first sparked your interest in gemstones and gemmology?
Since childhood, I have always enjoyed collecting rocks and minerals found during nature trips. After finishing high school, I chose to pursue a degree in Mining Engineering because I had a stronger affinity for the exact sciences. In my second year of college, I took the Mineralogy course and became fascinated by the world of minerals. I decided that I wanted to pursue an academic career in this field. The following semester, I joined a research project under the supervision of the Mineralogy professor, and in 2009 I had the opportunity to attend the International Symposium on Granitic Pegmatites (PEG2009) with him. Since then, I have fallen in love with pegmatites and the incredible variety of minerals that can be found in these fascinating rocks—especially gemstones.
How did you first hear about the SSEF Education Scholarship and what motivated you to apply?
I learned about the SSEF scholarship through the Institute’s newsletter, which I received on September 16, 2024. I was immediately excited, but I took some time to submit my application because I spent weeks drafting the answers I was going to send.
How did you feel when you learned you had been selected as a recipient?
I was overjoyed and immediately shared the news with my husband and my family, who had been cheering for me. I hadn’t really believed I had a chance of being selected, so it was an incredible surprise.
Why did you choose to attend SSEF’s Scientific Gemmology Course? What made it stand out to you?
I had wanted to take this course since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when I started teaching the Gemology course and took some of SSEF’s online courses. Since then, I have been seeking funding to acquire equipment for gemstone analysis at our university. When I saw that the course covered all the instruments I have been requesting, I knew it would be a unique opportunity to gain not only theoretical knowledge but also practical experience with the use of these tools. This experience could also help in getting the projects I have been submitting approved.
What was a typical day like during the course?
From the very first day, we were warmly welcomed by the entire course team, who made us feel comfortable using the facilities—and even offered us a delicious iced tea to cool off from the heat! In general, we had an initial theoretical session in the morning, followed by hands-on training to learn how to operate the equipment and interpret the results. After a lunch break, we returned for another practical or theoretical session. The course dynamics were excellent, and despite the large amount of material to absorb, we always started each day excited to learn more.
Was there a particular lesson, hands-on experience, or tutor interaction that was especially memorable or inspiring?
Every moment of learning and hands-on practice with the equipment was remarkable and unforgettable, but the most inspiring moment was definitely the Raman session with the Institute’s diretor, Dr. Michael S. Krzemnicki. He shared with us invaluable knowledge, with truly impressive humility and kindness.
How has the SSEF community/fellow students impacted your professional network? Has this impacted any future opportunities?
I made some connections during the course that I hope to keep for life, both with members of the SSEF team and with fellow participants. I hope to see some of them again soon in Brazil and accompany them on visits to gemstone trading and production sites in my region. I also look forward to maintaining professional contact and collaborating on future projects with some of the SSEF professionals I had the chance to talk with more closely.
What new skills or knowledge did you gain from the course?
Although I was already familiar with much of the theoretical content covered in the course, I had never operated any of the equipment before, and this hands-on learning was the most valuable part for me, even though it lasted only five days.
How has this experience influenced your career, studies, or future plans? Have you been able to apply what you learned in your current work or projects?
The experience of taking the Scientific Gemology course at SSEF was fundamental for my career. It will certainly boost the development of my projects and open doors for us to gradually acquire some of the equipment covered in the course for our university. Our long-term plan for the Gemology Laboratory at UEMG is to support the gemstone production chain, both through the generation of scientific knowledge and the provision of services, working mainly with gemstone producers in the region near João Monlevade, where the Mining Engineering program is located. So far, I haven’t applied the knowledge I gained from the course to any specific project, but I have talked about it with my Gemology students, showed them the materials, photos, and videos I took, and they were very proud of this experience.
What would you say to someone considering applying for the SSEF Education Scholarship?
I highly recommend that anyone interested in gemstones apply for the SSEF Education scholarships, as it is a unique opportunity to gain both theoretical and practical knowledge from extremely qualified professionals.
Do you have any tips for getting the most out of the course experience?
My advice would be for course participants to make the most of every moment, absorb as much knowledge as possible, and not be afraid to ask questions or seek clarification, as all the instructors are very helpful and willing to address any doubts throughout the course.
Looking back, what does receiving the scholarship mean to you personally and professionally?
Being selected for the first Henry A. Hänni scholarship was an indescribable honor and joy. I felt very fortunate to have been awarded the scholarship, but I also believe that, in a way, it was a result of my (still short) journey in Gemology and the goals I intend to achieve through my academic and research work at the university.
If you could describe your SSEF experience in on sentence, what would it be?
My SSEF experience was an amazing opportunity of priceless knowledge acquisition and networking.
Su Myat Htet, Myanmar (2024) - Scientific Diamond Course
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background in gemmology or related fields? What first sparked your interest in gemstones and gemmology?
My name is Su Myat Htet. I am a gemmologist and a jewellery specialist based in Yangon, Myanmar. My alma mater is Birmingham School of Jewellery, from which I graduated with First Class Honours, earning a Bachelor of Science in Gemmology and Jewellery Studies in 2022. Previously, I had also received my fellowship (FGA & DGA) from the Gemmological Association of Great Britain, and was a founder member of the Myanmar Gemmologists Association. I chose gemmology because it was the compound answer to both my passion to explore natural sciences and my duty to promote Myanmar’s gem economy and education as a second-generation jeweller.
How did you first hear about the SSEF Education Scholarship and what motivated you to apply?
I first came across the scholarship announcement on LinkedIn. It appeared right when I was considering to further study advanced gemmology, and everything fitted together, so I decided to apply.
How did you feel when you learned you had been selected as a recipient?
Truly humbled, honoured, and happy at the same time. I had to reread the email twice and more just to make sure.
Why did you wish to attend SSEF’s Scientific Diamonds Course? What made it stand out to you?
With the influx of synthetic diamonds into the market, it became crucial to stay updated on the latest diamond screening methods. SSEF’s Scientific Diamonds Course encompasses intensive training on cutting-edge spectrometric analyses of diamonds by experts of the field. Its professional layout gave me confidence that I would learn the skills needed to navigate the evolving landscape of the industry.
What was a typical day like during the course?
We started off the morning sessions with lectures and discussions on the essential theories, digging deep into the scientific roots and digesting complex information. After refuelling at lunch, we switched to the hands-on part, applying what we had freshly learnt directly on testing samples and practising with spectrometers in the lab. We would then conclude the day fruitfully.
Was there a particular lesson, hands-on experience, or tutor interaction that was especially memorable or inspiring?
There was! We had a chance to get an exclusive lab tour and also observe firsthand performing Raman under liquid nitrogen, which was as cool as the temperature.
How has the SSEF community/fellow students impacted your professional network? Has this impacted any future opportunities?
At SSEF, I met gemmologists specialising in different niches and speaking different languages. As gemmology connects people from all around the world, science becomes the common language. I was able to expand my professional network beyond Myanmar and beyond Switzerland, acquiring an international platform for knowledge exchange.
What new skills or knowledge did you gain from the course?
From the principles of spectrometry to its multiple applications in diamond testing, in addition to geology and morphology of diamonds, this course has given me a plethora of new insights on the subject. More importantly, I learnt about the limitations of each testing method and gained critical thinking skills in deciphering the test results.
How has this experience influenced your career, studies, or future plans? Have you been able to apply what you learned in your current work or projects?
Not only has this scholarship experience advanced my studies, it has also equipped me with new skills which I can share and use at work. It is rewarding to have trained my team on diamond education, and further along the road, I plan to implement more educational projects for diverse audiences.
What would you say to someone considering applying for the SSEF Education Scholarship?
If you are passionate about gemmology, do apply. The process of applying itself will fundamentally help you better understand yourself in relevance to this profession – which, in turn, will motivate you to cultivate your potential. Take the leap and enjoy your application.
Do you have any tips for getting the most out of the course experience?
For me, I found it helpful to had revised my past notes beforehand as it made linking new points to old ones easier and clearer. This way you can learn and absorb more information during the course.
Looking back, what does receiving the scholarship mean to you personally and professionally?
Personally, it was a kind validation that came when I needed it most. Professionally, it has instilled in me courage and knowledge to continue my gemmology journey unwaveringly.
If you could describe your SSEF experience in one sentence, what would it be?
Scintillating like diamonds, it was an experience that I will not forget.