Susan has been making glass beads for almost two years. Previously, she had been stringing beads for several years and making polymer clay beads for about a year. When Susan bought her first torch, she had no idea HOW one would make a bead but bought a video and some books and started melting away. She was immediately hooked! Color has always been important in her life, and the ability to combine and mix colors at will is very satisfying. In her 'day' job she is a faculty member at the University of Kansas's department of Molecular Biosciences. In molecular biology research it often takes years to answer a question. Beadmaking is a great contrast for her since she can make a beautiful glass bead within a couple of hours. Glass working also appeals to Susan’s scientific side since there are a number of chemical reactions that occur between different colors of glass. There are so many techniques to learn and discover, she just cannot imagine tiring of bead-making any time soon!