Event: Release exam and study stress at UBC’s glass-smashing ‘destructive therapy’

Chemistry graduate students can smash their study stress away in a “destructive therapy” session at UBC, and media are invited to witness the event.

In-house glassblower Brian Ditchburn invites graduate students to visit his workshop including during exam time to release tension by crushing unsalvageable glass lab equipment. Students signed up on a first-come, first-serve basis for a therapy session on Nov. 22.

Equipped with safety glasses and under strict safety protocols, the students will be able to break items ranging from chipped test tubes to specialty glassware that, when undamaged, runs into the thousands of dollars. The more stressed you are, the more expensive the equipment you get to break.

But never fear: While some glass equipment will meet its end in these sessions, the department, thanks to Ditchburn’s expertise, repairs and recycles more than 90 per cent of the glass used in its labs. The rest is used for a unique purpose: stress relief. 

Event: Destructive therapy at UBC

Note: Reporters must wear closed-toed shoes and long pants and will be provided with safety glasses.

Date/Time: Friday, Nov. 22, 10 a.m.

Location: Chemistry D113, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2, (map)

Parking: University Boulevard Lot, 6131 University Blvd., Vancouver, BC V6T 2A1 (map)

Interview opportunities: Brian Ditchburn, UBC glassblower; graduate students

Assignment editors: Event starts at 10 a.m., please arrive for setup by 9.30 a.m. Please RSVP to alex.walls@ubc.ca

More info: Chemistry glassblowing services