In the basement of MIT's Building 26, something magical is happening. Students who arrived on campus just months ago are discovering not only their academic passions but also their closest friends, all while building chemically powered cars and exploring the fascinating intersection of biology and engineering.

Jaden Chizuruoke May, a member of the class of 2029, lights up when talking about his experience in the Huang-Hobbs BioMaker Space. "It is definitely one of my favorite classes," he shares enthusiastically. Working alongside teammates Rihanna Arouna and Marian Akinsoji, May recently completed an ambitious project designing a model car powered by a layered electrochemical battery—a hands-on challenge that brought chemistry and engineering to life.

The BioMaker Space represents a refreshing approach to education, one that emphasizes collaboration, independence, and experimentation. Directed by Justin Buck, PhD '12, the lab teaches "Hands-On Engineering: Squishy Style Making with Biology and Chemistry," a course that strikes the perfect balance between structured learning and creative freedom. After receiving proper training, students are trusted to figure out their own approaches to solving complex problems—a teaching philosophy that builds both confidence and critical thinking skills.

What makes this space truly special is its welcoming atmosphere. The lab opens its doors to everyone, from complete novices to expert mentors, offering workshops in cutting-edge topics like bacterial photography, biobots, CRISPR, and DNA origami. This inclusive environment has created a thriving community where learning happens through shared discovery and mutual support.

For May, the collaborative nature of the BioMaker Space has been transformative. "I could never have done anything in that lab without my peers and counselors helping me," he reflects. "The emphasis placed on teamwork is what makes the class feel both welcoming and exciting." This spirit of cooperation has extended beyond the classroom, helping May forge some of his first meaningful friendships at MIT. "It has been a great introduction to campus," he says warmly.

The impact of this hands-on learning experience is already shaping May's academic journey in unexpected ways. While he's considering a double major in energy engineering and writing—two seemingly disparate fields—his time in the BioMaker Space has sparked a newfound interest in biology as well. This interdisciplinary curiosity exemplifies exactly what innovative education should achieve: opening doors students didn't even know existed.

The BioMaker Space stands as a testament to the power of accessible, collaborative learning environments. By giving students the tools, training, and trust to explore complex scientific concepts through hands-on projects, the lab is nurturing the next generation of innovative thinkers. More importantly, it's creating a supportive community where students can take risks, learn from mistakes, and celebrate successes together.

In an era where education often feels rushed and impersonal, the Huang-Hobbs BioMaker Space reminds us that learning is most meaningful when it's tactile, collaborative, and joyful. For students like May, it's not just a lab—it's where friendships begin, passions ignite, and the future takes shape, one squishy biology project at a time.