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The History of This Web Site

This extensive collection of information and tutorials was created by Joseph W. Walas during his time at East Carolina University and was originally hosted on the Chemistry Department's web site. Upon his retirement from the University in 2011, the site needed a new home and we here at ILPI were happy to help ensure that this resource would continue to be maintained.

We rearranged some of Joe's original content and will be adding to it as time permits. We consider his resources to be a valuable partner to our Glassware Gallery which explains how to use various pieces of glass equipment, but in the larger picture it is a terrific resource for both established and aspiring scientific glassblowers. Ideas, suggestions, and contributions are always welcome.

Biographical Information on Joseph W. Walas

1996-2011, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC

Joe was responsible for all scientific glassblowing services at East Carolina University. He provided design consultation, technical information, material, vendor recommendation, fabrication of new glassware, repairs, modification of existing apparatus and practical application of resources to customer needs. He offered basic instruction in scientific glassblowing and participated in glassblowing outreach/demonstrations.

1986-1996, United Technologies Research Center, East Hartford, CT

Joe was responsible for administrative and operational activities, supervision of staff and glassblowing services to UTC's Research, Hamilton Standard, Carrier, Pratt & Whitney and Otis Divisions. He served on the UTRC Emergency Response Team, Group Leaders Development Team and the Communications Committee.

1980-1986, Olin Corporation, New Haven, CT

Joe was responsible for all glassblowing and glass-shop activities for Olin Research and Olin Corporate Divisions. He chaired the Research Laboratory Services Productivity Improvement Team and was a member of the Emergency Hazard, Safety Review and Inspection Teams.

1980-1996, J. Walas - Scientific Glassblowing, Durham, CT

Joe provided consulting and fabrication services to a variety of different schools and corporations. His clients included Yale University, Yale Medical School, Wesleyan University, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Zygo Corp., US Surgical Corp., Southern New England UltraViolet Corp. and many others.

1968-1980, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Amherst, MA

Joe provided glassblowing services to all the major science research departments at UMass/Amherst, Smith, Mt. Holyoke, Hampshire, Amherst College and UMass/Worcester Medical School. He served as an instructor of Scientific Glassblowing and developed and taught a course in creative glassblowing.

Professional Affiliations/Service Joe has been actively involved in the American Scientific Glassblowers Society. At the National level, his positions included: 1991-1992 President 1990-1991 President-Elect 1983-1984 Assistant Treasurer 1982-1983 Board of Directors Joe also had the opportunity to chair a number of ASGS National Committees: Ways & Means Membership Publications International Symposium Seminar Program/Albany NY ASGS National Seminar Coordinator Contact Information: For questions or comments about these glassblowing resources please contact us by email.

This page and any associated material is copyright 2002-2013 by Joe Walas and/or ILPI unless otherwise stated. Unauthorized duplication or posting on other web sites is expressly prohibited. Send suggestions and comments (include the URL if applicable) to us by email. CAUTION: Be sure to read this important safety/legal disclaimer regarding the information on this page.