Clearly the best - University glassblower is honoured
One of the University of Southampton's longest-serving members of staff has been awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours.
Mike Caplin is Head of the Scientific Glassblowing Unit in the School of Chemistry creating complex pieces of glassware for research both within the University and outside for organisations as far afield as Europe, Canada and Venezuela. His award is for services to glassblowing.
The 60 year old joined the University as a junior lab technician at the age of 15.
Mike said, "I was surprised and delighted to receive the news. It's been a great place to work for the last 45 years and I must thank my academic colleagues for having the ideas and raising the money through research grants to allow me to do my part of the work."
He is looking forward to the Palace ceremony and will be accompanied by his wife Ann, who also works in the School of Chemistry as stores supervisor.
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