Name: Jordan Smith

Gig: Scientific Glassblower

Years on the job: One (15 years of experience)

On duty: Consult with scientists and researchers to design and produce bespoke research apparatuses for university departments and external clients. 

Fired Up: I met a glassblower when I was 15, and I knew pretty quickly that was what I wanted to do. When I saw it as a viable career path, I set my energy in that direction, earning an associate of applied science in scientific glassblowing.  

Making a comeback: At one point, it was standard for research universities to have custom glassblowers on staff. It’s hard to ship delicate, intricate labware from afar. You receive a box of broken glass. I’m here to get the shop up and running again, make it an essential part of the University again. 

Up in flames: Melted glass turns into a taffy-like substance. As it cools, it turns back into a rigid object. A cool breeze can break your apparatus in the middle of manufacturing. 

What I love: Manipulating glass as a medium. No other material has the feedback and the moment-to-moment challenge that comes with glassware. Every second, from when you set it in front of the flame until it gets out of the oven, you are walking a fine line hoping it won’t fall off.