Benjamin Revis came to the University of Iowa Department of Chemistry in June 2011 to take up the torch following a 34 year term of Peter Hatch.  Benjamin has a B.S. Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology from Purdue University. Prior to coming to Iowa Benjamin held the roles of Senior Reactor Operator; Radiation Detection and Measurement Laboratory Instructor; and Nuclear Electronics Technician.

Benjamin learned the introductory skills of Scientific Glassblowing under the tutoring of John Pirolo (Purdue University) during a two year on the job training opportunity that was made available.

As the field of Scientific Glassblowing has many facets there is always something new to be learning. Benjamin is actively involved with the American Scientific Glassblowers Society where there is opportunity to meet with other glassblowers from across North America and around the world to learn/teach various ways to manipulate glass in order to meet the needs of today's scientists.  Benjamin's involvement with the society includes participating in local section meetings twice a year and participating in the annual Symposium.  He has held the positions of President and IT Chair for the national society, and Midwest Section Director.

In the News 

CLAS staff member and chemistry glassblower receives prestigious award  - College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Benjamin Revis, scientific glassblower in the Department of Chemistry, has been awarded the 2023 Helmut E. Drechsel Award.

Univ. of Iowa scientific glassblower awarded for his efforts in science and art - KCRG

Awards

2023 Helmut E. Drechsel Achievement Award  Presented to Benjamin Revis for having devoted time, knowledge, and abilities to the advancement of the American Scientific Glassblowers Society. Presented at the 66th Annual Symposium Vancourver, Washington June 30th, 2023. Award presented by Corina Guerra ASGS National Awards Chair (Photo Credit: Gary Coyne)

2015 Midwest Achievement Award  The Midwest Section of the American Scientific Glassblowers Society proudly awards Mr. Benjamin S. Revis this award for his dedication and outstanding contributions to The American Scientific Glassblowers Society; presented at the 60th Annual Symposium, Milwaukee, Wisconsin July 16, 2015.  The award is presented to Benjamin Revis by Erich Moraine, Midwest Section Chair. Photo Credit: Gary Coyne

2014 Memorial Award  The American Scientific Glassblowers Society Memorial Award presented to Benjamin Revis, Acknowledged as this year's outstanding Junior Member for his involvement in the Society and his skills as a Scientific Glassblower.  Presented by James Cornell, ASGS President at the 59th Annual Symposium Eugene, OR, June 21, 2014.  Photo Credit: Gary Coyne