Research

Six Weeks in the Lab: A Step Toward Cleaner Energy

A visiting PhD student from Italy spent six weeks at DTU advancing her research in carbon capture and storage, gaining hands-on lab experience and new insights into CO₂–rock interactions.

Maria Antonietta Tommasone, PhD student in Geology at the University of Ferrara.

Thursday 19 June 2025

Mathias Andreas Ørby

Maria Antonietta Tommasone is a PhD student in Geology at the University of Ferrara in Italy. For six weeks, she has been visiting DTU Offshore, working with experts and advanced laboratory equipment to support her research in Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), a topic she is passionate about, both scientifically and personally.

Maria’s background is in sedimentology, the study of how sediments like sand, mud, and carbonate rocks form and change over time. Her interest in CCS began during her Master’s thesis, where she studied carbonate rock formations in Italy.

“After working on hydrocarbon-related topics, I realized I wanted to contribute to something more sustainable,” she says. “That’s when my supervisor and I decided to focus on carbon storage in carbonate reservoirs.”

This shift marked the beginning of her PhD project, which looks at natural carbonate systems that could serve as analogues for future CO₂ storage sites. To expand her knowledge and gain hands-on experience, she came to DTU Offshore for a research stay.

Hands-On Science in a Collaborative Environment

During her time at DTU, Maria has been running experiments using ion chromatography — a technique that helps her study how CO₂-rich fluids interact with rock samples.
“I wanted to see what happens underground when CO₂ is stored — how it reacts with the rocks, how stable it is,” she explains. “At DTU, I had access to advanced labs and equipment that really helped push my work forward.”

But beyond the tools, it was the people who made the biggest impression:
“I met amazing researchers and technicians who were generous with their time and knowledge. Even in just six weeks, I’ve learned new methods and techniques — and made great memories.”

Experiencing the Danish Way

Coming from Italy, Maria quickly noticed differences in academic culture and everyday life. “In Italy, the rhythm of the day is a bit different - things tend to start and end later. In Denmark, we start early and finish early, which I’ve come to appreciate. It gives more time to enjoy the afternoon,” she says with a smile.

She was also excited by the concentration of CCS expertise at DTU:

“At DTU, there are many researchers working on carbon capture and storage, which opens up a lot of opportunities for collaboration. That was a big motivation for coming here.”

Culturally, she describes Denmark as calm, quiet, and well-organized — “the country of silence,” as she calls it.

“Public transport is so quiet, and people are incredibly kind. And I’ve really grown to like Danish food!” she adds, laughing.

Fact box

Maria Antonietta Tommasone

Nationality: Italian

Educational background:

PhD student in Geology, University of Ferrara
MSc in Geological Sciences, Geo-resources and Territory, University of Ferrara
September 2018 – December 2021
BSc in Geological Sciences, University of Chieti ‘Gabriele d’Annunzio’
September 2015 – December 2018

Looking Ahead

Although her time at DTU was short, Maria sees the experience as a useful step in her academic development. She returns to Italy with new technical skills, a broader understanding of her research field, and insights into how work is carried out in a different academic setting.
“I’ll go home with some new methods, contacts, and a better idea of how I can move forward with my project,” she says. “It’s been a good opportunity to test things in the lab and see how others approach similar topics.”

Working in a new environment gave her the chance to approach her research from a slightly different angle. While many things were familiar, she also encountered new tools and methods that complemented her work. It was a chance to exchange ideas and explore CCS in a setting where the field is well established — something she found both useful and inspiring.

When asked whether she could imagine coming back, her answer is open but measured.
“Maybe. I think I’d return for a short stay again,” she says. “It’s been interesting to work here, but I also enjoy living in Italy. For now, I see this as something I might repeat occasionally, not long-term.”