Elayne Ashley: 2019 Rising Wreck Award

Georgia Tech has named Elayne Ashley as the recipient of the 2019 Rising Wreck Award. Ashley is Georgia Tech’s glass blower, based in the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry. The award recognizes her leadership qualities and initiative in solving problems and improving work situations.

As Georgia Tech’s glass blower, Ashley is available to any Tech unit to consult, design, modify, and fabricate scientific glassware. She designs and constructs each glass apparatus in close collaboration with individual researchers.

Having joined Georgia Tech only a little over two years ago, Ashley already has made a tremendous impact and impression on people who have required her unique skills. Those who have worked with her paint a picture of a dedicated craftswoman, who will go to great lengths to help solve problems,

“Not only does Elayne contribute her skill and knowledge as a glass blower, but she also prompts us to think critically and creatively about our designs and proposed solutions.”

Her efforts range from staying long after regular hours to make a piece of equipment for a Ph.D. student under deadline pressure to researching suppliers for customers with special needs. She makes informed out-of-the-box suggestions to get past stumbling blocks.

“Elayne never hesitates to ask how she can better meet our needs or modify what’s available to obtain the high-level results we need,” one very satisfied client says. “She is always willing to go above and beyond to ensure that faculty and students get the best outcome from their research.”

“Not only does Elayne contribute her skill and knowledge as a glass blower, but she also prompts us to think critically and creatively about our designs and proposed solutions,” a mechanical engineering researcher says. “Elayne readily jumps into action on a project that other glass blowers have doubted was possible and she works with unrivaled passion and thoughtfulness.”

“Elayne’s work ethic, knowledge, creativity, and willingness to help are qualities that reflect why she is one of the resources that makes Tech the top-tier institution that it is today,” a grateful Ph.D. student says. Because Elayne worked late to repair a special flask for air-free and moisture-free experiments, this student was able to complete critical experiments in time for the Ph.D. candidacy exam.