Scientific Glassblowing Laboratory : College of Natural Sciences : UMass Amherst

NATSCI 520: Science and the Art of Glassblowing

Interested in learning more about glassblowing? Join our one-credit course and learn about the different compositions, safety and uses of glass and glass components for scientific endeavors and other applications. Using a small flame, glass tubing, and rod, you will learn how to design and create your own pieces.

Two offerings in Fall 2023:

Thursday: 9:30 a.m.–10:20 a.m.
Friday: 10:10 a.m.–11 a.m.

About the Lab

The UMass Amherst Glassblowing Laboratory is an indispensable part of any modern research team and a core facility within College of Natural Sciences operations.

The mission of the glassblowing laboratory is to provide high quality, affordably priced standard and non–standard items, glassware modifications, repairs, and custom designs for instructional and research needs. The lab works closely with individuals in the design, fabrication, and repair of specialty scientific glass instruments. 

The lab has the capacity to work with all types of glass, including borosilicate, quartz, aluminosilicate, and soft glass. The shop is fully equipped with annealing ovens, lathes, a diamond saw, a lapping wheel, and a variety of torches. Some glass parts and tubing are kept in stock to keep turnaround time to a minimum.

The glassblowing laboratory is run by Sally Prasch, a veteran laboratory glassblower with more than 40 years of experience. Please come by and see what the glassblowing laboratory can do for you. The shop is now open Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with basic services available on a walk-in basis. Service requests can be made at any time via sprasch [at] umass [dot] edu (subject: Glassblowing%20laboratory) (email to Sally Prasch.) You may also use the Glassblowing Order Form.

Check out this photo essay of the Glassblowing Lab. And don’t miss Formed With Silica—an exhibition curated by Sally Prasch, showcasing a variety of glassblowing projects—at the Hampden Gallery through the end of December! You can also take this virtual tour with Prasch to learn about how and why glass is used in scientific research and to see a short demonstration.

Lab location

Lederle Graduate Research Center (Lowrise) Room A19 
740 N. Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01003-9306
Phone: 413-545-2185
Open Wednesday – Friday 9:00am—4:30pm

Shipping Address:
Sally Prasch / Glassblowing Lab
Campus Distribution
360 Campus Center Way
Amherst, MA 01003-9248

Directions to the UMass Amherst Scientific Glassblowing Lab

The lab is located in the Lederle Graduate Research Center (LGRC) Lowrise building at 740 N. Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01003

Pedestrian Directions

From North Pleasant Street (easiest route)

1. From the center of campus, walk north on North Pleasant St., past the Integrative Learning Center, Hasbrouck Laboratory, and the Physical Sciences Building. LGRC is located on the west side of the street.

2. Enter the building from the street at the southeast corner.

3. Make a right in the first hallway, and at the end of the hallway go down the elevator.

4. The Glassblowing Lab is right off the elevator in room A-19

Directions by Car

1. From the center of campus, drive north on North Pleasant St. to the roundabout.

2. Take the third exit onto Governors Dr.

3. Turn left into Lot 61 for 15 minute and accessible parking. Additional metered parking is available in Lot 43 at the northeast corner of the roundabout, next to Totman Gym.

Accessible Directions By Car

1. From the center of campus, drive north on North Pleasant St. to the roundabout.

2. Take the third exit onto Governors Dr.

3. Turn left into Lot 61 for accessible parking.

4. The accessible entrance is located at the end of the parking lot, at the south end of LGRC.

Accessible Pathway—from North Pleasant Street

1. From the center of campus, go north on North Pleasant St., past the Integrative Learning Center, Hasbrouck Laboratory, and the Physical Sciences Building. LGRC is located on the west side of the street.

2. Make a left on Governors Dr. (at the roundabout).

3. Take the first left into Lot 61 adjacent to LGRC.