The Ceramic and Glass Industry Foundation (CGIF) recently ignited a passion for glass science in nearly 100 middle school students from four Pittsburgh schools. Held in conjunction with the MS&T ’24 conference, the Glass Learning Opportunities Workshop (GLOW) transformed the Pittsburgh Glass Center into a hub of exploration and discovery. This impactful event, generously sponsored by the ACerS Glass and Optical Materials Division (GOMD), Chiz Bros, Kopp Glass, and RHI Magnesita, provided students with an unforgettable experience.
The Pittsburgh Glass Center, with its expanded facilities dedicated to education and community outreach, proved to be the ideal setting. This vibrant space allowed students to fully immerse themselves in the world of glass, going beyond what a traditional classroom could offer.
Students learning about the science behind glassblowing
Against the backdrop of the Center’s state-of-the-art facilities, students rotated through three engaging experiences designed to spark their interest in ceramic and glass materials. The centerpiece of the day was a mesmerizing glassblowing demonstration where students witnessed skilled artisans transform molten glass into finished pieces. Graduate students specializing in ceramic and glass materials science provided real-time explanations of the scientific principles at work, connecting artistry with materials engineering.
A highlight of the workshop was an inspiring career panel featuring accomplished female professionals from the ceramic and glass community. The diverse panel included Karen Daniel, Internal Operations Specialist at Chiz Bros; Charmayne Lonergan, Assistant Professor at Missouri University of Science and Technology; Kimberly Scott, Assistant Teaching Faculty at Colorado School of Mines; and Elizabeth Tsekrekas, a post-doctoral researcher at the Savannah River National Laboratory. These role models illustrated the breadth of career opportunities available in the field, from technical positions to advanced research roles, encouraging students to envision their own futures in materials science.
The hands-on portion of the workshop featured dynamic demonstrations led by student volunteers from leading materials science programs, including Missouri S&T, Alfred University, Penn State, and Colorado School of Mines. These volunteers guided participants through exhibits showcasing the unique properties of glass, including dramatic demonstrations of glass fracture behavior. Students witnessed the striking differences between regular and tempered glass and observed the fascinating phenomenon of Prince Rupert’s drops. The demonstrations highlighted the omnipresence of ceramic and glass materials in everyday life, helping students connect scientific principles to the world around them.
“The GLOW workshop exemplifies CGIF’s mission to attract, inspire, and support the next generation of ceramic and glass professionals,” says Marcus Fish, Director of Development for CGIF. “By providing hands-on experiences and direct interaction with industry professionals, we’re opening students’ eyes to the possibilities of careers in materials science.”
The success of the Pittsburgh workshop builds on CGIF’s commitment to expanding access to materials science education. While many students have limited exposure to ceramics and glass in their standard curriculum, GLOW workshops provide a unique opportunity to explore these materials in an engaging, hands-on environment.
CGIF is committed to continuing the GLOW program and bringing these enriching experiences to more students across the country. But we can’t do it alone! Your support is crucial to inspiring the next generation of ceramic and glass professionals.
- Donate: Every contribution makes a difference. Visit ceramics.org/donate to make a secure online donation and help us bring GLOW to more students.
- Volunteer: Share your passion and expertise! Contact us at foundation@ceramics.org to learn about volunteer opportunities with GLOW and other CGIF programs.
- Bring GLOW to your community: Inspire students in your area by hosting a GLOW workshop. We can provide resources and guidance to help you get started. Contact foundation@ceramics.org to learn more.
Thanks to our volunteers and sponsors for making the Pittsburgh GLOW event a success!
