I love the creativity and problem-solving that comes with creating glassware for the cutting-edge research done at this University.
- Meet Lauren Aria. Lauren holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Glass, from UW–Madison that she earned in 2022. Here at the Department of Chemistry Glass Shop, Lauren builds and repairs custom scientific glassware for the department alongside Tracy Drier. She and Tracy work primarily with graduate and post-doctoral students but have also done work for undergraduate researchers. Lauren says, “Students come down with a lot of great ideas for new glassware that hasn’t been made before, and it’s our job to collaboratively work to make these ideas a reality.” Lauren started in the department as a student worker in 2022 and was hired full-time in October of 2023. Before working in Chemistry full-time, she created artwork in the UW Art Department as a Windgate-Lamar Fellow for a solo exhibition. Beyond work, Lauren says she has many hobbies! She loves to crochet, make tufted rugs, and do hot-shop glassblowing (like Blown Away) at the Art Department on my weekends. In the past, she was involved in fire-eating and fire performance.
- Let’s learn more about you with our Staff Spotlight! Tell us what you do for the Department of Chemistry and a little about yourself. It’s easy and just takes a few minutes. Click here to respond.