Yan started his career as a young geologist and lecturer at Universitas Gadjah Mada in early 2018. He joined the Laboratory of Geodynamics, specialising in Geomorphology and Geological Remote Sensing. He was upgrading his knowledge and capability in the Geodynamic Research Group (KBK Geodinamika), where he could collaborate with other researchers majoring in the basic science of geology (sedimentology, palaeontology, structural geology, etc.) as well as in the advanced group of geological engineering (unconventional geo-resources, engineering geology, hydrogeology, economic geology, mining, and astrogeology).

In the university, he also conducted three pillars of higher education (Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi), including conducting research and giving lectures and community services with his roles as an earth scientist. He built a lifelong learning school in Sumatera Barat with a team called Sekolah Ilmuwan Minangkabau (SIM).

During his career, he received some awards, scholarships and research funding from the government of the Republic of Indonesia and other countries.