Huang-Hobbs BioMaker Space

Sort by: title, date.

Bacterial Photography Short Workshop (Introductory)
Jan/09 Tue 01:00PM–04:00PM
Jan/25 Thu 01:00PM–04:00PM

The BioMaker classic workshop returns!  Students produce a petri dish with an image created by an engineered strain of E. coli. In this short (3hr) introductory workshop, students learn some basics techniques for working in a biological laboratory.  Students are introduced to using a micropipette, electroporation of DNA into bacterial cells, plating,  and liquid culture.  No prior experience needed, all abilities welcome!

Participation limited to 12 participants.  Select one date only. Please email jbuck@mit.edu for more information. To register, please visit http://tinyurl.com/HHBMS-IAP2024.

Bio-Electrochemical Systems Workshop (Introductory)
Jan/22 Mon 10:00AM–12:00PM
Jan/23 Tue 10:00AM–12:00PM
Jan/24 Wed 10:00AM–12:00PM
Jan/25 Thu 10:00AM–12:00PM

In this hands-on wet lab workshop, participants will learn the basics of bio-electrochemical system (BES) by building and operating a microbial fuel cell over the course of four two-hour sessions. Students will be introduced to basic microbiological and electrochemistry techniques. Limited to 12 participants. Must attend all four sessions. For more information, email jbuck@mit.edu. To register, please visit http://tinyurl.com/HHBMS-IAP2024.

BioMaker Credential Certification Program: Agarose Gel Electrophoresis (Level 1)
Jan/22 Mon 01:00PM–03:00PM

This is a Level 1 Certification Credential in the Huang-Hobbs BioMaker Space Credential Certification Program. Open to all trained users in the "biomakerspace" training group, and those who have completed the required pre-requisites trainings with a sufficient level of proficiency. Email jbuck@mit.edu to be added to the training group and for additional information about this program. Limited to 6 participants. To register, please visit http://tinyurl.com/HHBMS-IAP2024.

Participants will review the theory and practice of agarose gel electrophoresis. Student will mix and pour gels, load gels, run gels, and image the results of the gel and identify fragment length.  Students will be assessed on proficiency.

Pre-Requisite Trainings: Pipette and Vis Spec (Level 0), Lab Math and Solutions (Level 0),

Recommend Trainings: DNA Extraction & Purification (Level 1)

BioMaker Credential Certification Program: DNA Isolation & Purification (Level 1)
Jan/26 Fri 10:00AM–12:00PM

This is a Level 1 Certification Credential in the Huang-Hobbs BioMaker Space Credential Certification Program. Open to all trained users in the "biomakerspace" training group, and those who have completed the required pre-requisites trainings with a sufficient level of proficiency. Email jbuck@mit.edu to be added to the training group and for additional information about this program. Limited to 20 participants. To register, please visit http://tinyurl.com/HHBMS-IAP2024.

Participants will review the basics of extracting plasmid and genomic DNA from cells, and purifying the recovered DNA. Participants will use various buffer and disruption techniques to lyse cells. Participants will learn use of columns to and alcohol precipitation to purify extracted DNA. Participants will quantify DNA using UV spectroscopy on a micro-volume UV/Vis spectrophotometer.  Students will be assessed on proficiency.

Pre-Requisite Trainings: Pipette and Vis Spec (Level 0), Lab Math and Solutions (Level 0),

Recommend Trainings: Microbial Culture (Level 1)

BioMaker Credential Certification Program: Laboratory Math & Making Solutions (Level 0)
Jan/08 Mon 01:00PM–03:00PM

This is a Level 0 Certification Credential in the Huang-Hobbs BioMaker Space Credential Certification Program. Open to all trained users in the "biomakerspace" training group. Email jbuck@mit.edu to be added to the training group and for additional information about this program. Limited to 20 participants. To register, please visit http://tinyurl.com/HHBMS-IAP2024.

Participants will review the basics of working with quantities in the wet laboratory, including: moles, molarity, mass, mass concentration, mass percentage, volume percentage, and concentration factor. Preparation of solutions, and adjustment of pH will be covered. Students will be assessed on proficiency.

BioMaker Credential Certification Program: Mammalian Cell Culture (Level 2)
Jan/16 Tue 01:00PM–03:00PM
Jan/18 Thu 01:00PM–03:00PM

This is a Level 2 Certification Credential in the Huang-Hobbs BioMaker Space Credential Certification Program. Open to all trained users in the "biomakerspace" training group, and those who have completed the required pre-requisites trainings with a sufficient level of proficiency. Email jbuck@mit.edu to be added to the training group and for additional information about this program. Limited to 6 participants. To register, please visit http://tinyurl.com/HHBMS-IAP2024.

Participants will review the theory and practice of mammalian cell culture. Participants will gain experience working with suspended (TK6) and adherent cells (HeLa or 3T3) in a biosafety cabinet using standard BL2 practices. Students will learn media changing and passage cells to maintain growth conditions and will use trypsin treatments to release cells from the culture flask. Students will learn basic use of an inverted light mircoscope and cell counting using a hemacytometer and trypan blue stain. Students be assessed on proficiency.

Pre-Requisite Trainings: Microbial Culturing & Sterile Technique (Level 1)

Two-Session Training (PARTICIPANTS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND BOTH SESSIONS)

BioMaker Credential Certification Program: Microbial Transformation (Level 2)
Jan/29 Mon 03:00PM–05:00PM

This is a Level 2 Certification Credential in the Huang-Hobbs BioMaker Space Credential Certification Program. Open to all trained users in the "biomakerspace" training group, and those who have completed the required pre-requisites trainings with a sufficient level of proficiency. Email jbuck@mit.edu to be added to the training group and for additional information about this program. Limited to 12 participants. To register, please visit http://tinyurl.com/HHBMS-IAP2024.

Participants will review the theory and practice of microbial transformation. Students will utilize electroporation to transfer vector DNA into E. coli host cells, as well heat shock methods of transformation. Advanced students will explore additional methods of transformation for yeast (e.g. Lithium Acetate) and bacterial conjugation. Students will determine transformation efficiencies. Students will be assessed on proficiency.

Pre-Requisite Trainings: Microbial Culturing & Sterile Technique (Level 1)

Recommend Training: Agarose Gel Electrophoresis (Level 1), DNA Isolation & Purification (Level 1)

BioMaker Credential Certification Program: Microbiological Culturing & Sterile Technique (Level 1)
Jan/22 Mon 10:00AM–12:00PM

This is a Level 1 Certification Credential in the Huang-Hobbs BioMaker Space Credential Certification Program. Open to all trained users in the "biomakerspace" training group, and those who have completed the required pre-requisites trainings with a sufficient level of proficiency. Email jbuck@mit.edu to be added to the training group and for additional information about this program. Limited to 20 participants. To register, please visit http://tinyurl.com/HHBMS-IAP2024.

Participants will review the basics of sterile technique and culturing microorganisms in a biological laboratory. Participants will learn use of ethanol and flame for sterilizing implements, working in a sterile air environment on the bench and in a biosafety cabinet, plating on selective and non-selective media, and inoculating liquid cultures.  Students will be assessed on proficiency.

Pre-Requisite Trainings: Pipette (Level 0), Lab Math (Level 0)

BioMaker Credential Certification Program: Pipetting & Visible Spectroscopy (Level 0)
Jan/08 Mon 03:00PM–05:00PM

This is a Level 0 Certification Credential in the Huang-Hobbs BioMaker Space Credential Certification Program. Open to all trained users in the "biomakerspace" training group. Email jbuck@mit.edu to be added to the training group and for additional information about this program. Limited to 20 participants. To register, please visit http://tinyurl.com/HHBMS-IAP2024.

Participants will review the basics of working with micropipettes and serological pipettes.  Students will learn use of visible spectroscopy to quantify solution concentration. Students will be assessed on proficiency.

BioMaker Credential Certification Program: Polymerase Chain Reaction (Level 2)
Jan/22 Mon 03:00PM–05:00PM

This is a Level 2 Certification Credential in the Huang-Hobbs BioMaker Space Credential Certification Program. Open to all trained users in the "biomakerspace" training group, and those who have completed the required pre-requisites trainings with a sufficient level of proficiency. Email jbuck@mit.edu to be added to the training group and for additional information about this program. Limited to 8 participants. To register, please visit http://tinyurl.com/HHBMS-IAP2024.

Participants will review the theory and practice of polymerase chain reaction for DNA amplification. Student will design primers to amplify various DNA fragments, will setup thermocycler programs, setup PCR reactions using master mixes, run PCR reactions, and characterize results. Students will be assessed on proficiency.

Pre-Requisite Trainings: Agarose Gel Electrophoresis (Level 1), DNA Isolation & Purification (Level 1)

BioMaker Credential Certification Program: Restriction Digestion (Level 2)
Jan/26 Fri 01:00PM–03:00PM

This is a Level 2 Certification Credential in the Huang-Hobbs BioMaker Space Credential Certification Program. Open to all trained users in the "biomakerspace" training group, and those who have completed the required pre-requisites trainings with a sufficient level of proficiency. Email jbuck@mit.edu to be added to the training group and for additional information about this program. Limited to 8 participants. To register, please visit http://tinyurl.com/HHBMS-IAP2024.

Participants will review the theory and practice of restriction digestion for DNA modification and preparation in cloning. Student will evaluate and select restriction enzymes to cut DNA into target fragments. Students will setup enzyme reactions and characterize results. Introduction will be given to various use cases including: identification and confirmation of DNA identify (e.g. plasmids), traditional cloning, and advanced DNA assembly methods such as Biobricks and Golden Gate cloning. Students will be assessed on proficiency.

Pre-Requisite Trainings: Agarose Gel Electrophoresis (Level 1), DNA Isolation & Purification (Level 1)

Biobots Workshop (Introductory)
Jan/10 Wed 02:00PM–05:00PM
Jan/12 Fri 02:00PM–05:00PM
Jan/17 Wed 02:00PM–05:00PM
Jan/19 Fri 02:00PM–05:00PM

In this workshop, students will learn biofabrication and biohybrid design tools to build their own soft robotic device out of myoblast cells derived from mice muscle. Participants will gain skills from biology and mechanical engineering, such as cell culture, computer aided design (CAD), and stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing to create  “biobot” muscle rings. Students will create biocompatible skeletons for the muscle rings and stimulate them with light or electricity to cause contractions and  exert measurable forces onto the skeletons. Fabricating biobots is an introduction to the many exciting applications for biorobotics, such as understanding the biological motor control system and its role in disease and traumatic injury repair. Limited to 8 participants. Participants must attend all sessions. For additional information please email sheehant@mit.edu.

To register, please visit http://tinyurl.com/HHBMS-IAP2024.

CRISPR Short Workshop (Introductory)
Jan/11 Thu 01:00PM–04:00PM
Jan/23 Tue 01:00PM–04:00PM

Learn the basics of CRISPR technology in this introductory hands-on workshop in the Huang-Hobbs BioMaker Space.  In this three-hour single-session workshop, participants will learn basic theory of CRISPR-Cas9 system, learn to design guide RNA sequences, and practice the techniques to disrupt gene function of LacZ in E. coli to induce changes of colors in colonies. Open to all experience levels, assumes no prior wet lab experience.  Please pick one session. Limited to 20 participants per session. For additional information, please email jbuck@mit.edu. To register, please visit http://tinyurl.com/HHBMS-IAP2024.

Coffee Hour with Director of Huang-Hobbs BioMaker Space
Jan/08 Mon 10:00AM–11:00AM
Jan/17 Wed 01:00PM–02:00PM
Jan/29 Mon 01:00PM–02:00PM

Interested in the Huang-Hobbs BioMaker Space? Come learn more about the facilities and opportunities in the space.  Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, and chat with the Director of the space. Learn about the ongoing programming in the space and how you can start a project or join one already in progress.  No registration required. Attend any session.

ELISA Workshop (Introductory)
Jan/30 Tue 01:00PM–04:00PM

Introductory hands-on workshop to teach the basic technique of the Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Participants will prepare 96-well plates and incubate with varying concentrations of antigen proteins and fluorescent antibodies to create a binding curve to determine the dissociation constant of a binding protein. Limited to 12 participants. Email vicy@mit.edu for additional information. To register, please visit http://tinyurl.com/HHBMS-IAP2024.

Homebrewing 101
Jan/19 Fri 10:00AM–04:00PM

An immersive introduction to the biochemistry, microbiology, and chemical engineering of brewing beer.  You will complete a full all-grain brewing process over a 2-day period. Steps include a single-temperature infusion mash, sparge, boil, pitching yeast, racking and bottling. In addition to the hands-on process, you will learn about characteristics and importance of various ingredients, how to formulate your own recipes, how to measure gravity of your wort and beer, and calculate alcohol content.

MUST BE 21+ YEARS OLD BY 2/3/2023 (ID Required)

SPACE LIMITED TO 4 PARTICIPANTS (W/ OPTIONAL +1 FRIEND)

EMAIL JBUCK@MIT.EDU TO EXPRESS INTEREST

COST: $10 FOR MATERIALS & SUPPLIES; $150 INCLUDES FULL SYSTEM FOR 1 GALLON ALL-GRAIN BREWING SETUP

Huang-Hobbs BioMaker Space Lab Specific Chemical Hygiene Training
Jan/08 Mon 11:00AM–12:00PM
Jan/26 Fri 03:00PM–04:00PM

For folks interested in running independent projects, joining community projects, or working toward credential certificates in the Huang-Hobbs BioMaker Space, this training fullfills the requirement for Lab Specific Chemical Hygiene Training on the User Clearance form. To register, please visit http://tinyurl.com/HHBMS-IAP2024.

MIT iGEM Team Info Session
Jan/03 Wed 03:00PM–04:00PM
Jan/08 Mon 07:00PM–08:00PM
Jan/24 Wed 01:00PM–02:00PM

Interested in iGEM?  These informational sessions provide additional details about the project competition and joining the MIT iGEM team. Session will cover basic information about synthetic biology, iGEM the competition, the schedule for the upcoming competition year, and the team application and selection process. Session will also include information about a complementary course (20.020: Introduction to Biological Engineering Design Using Synthetic Biology). Q&A Session to follow a brief presentation. Session is available hybrid format. 

The 1/3/2024 session will be ONLY VIA ZOOM (see streaming link or email jbuck@mit.edu for details). Other sessions still plan hybrid format

Opti coli Workshop (Introductory)
Jan/29 Mon 10:00AM–12:00PM
Jan/30 Tue 10:00AM–12:00PM

Learn optogenetics and synthetic biology hands-on in this wet lab workshop in the Huang-Hobbs BioMaker Space. Over four two-hour sessions, participants will construct plasmids, transform vectors into E. Coli, select colonies, and chacterize constructs. Participants will work with the biological parts comprising the Bacterial Photography system. This workshop assumes a basic working knowledge of pipette use (see introductory pipetting workshop in course). Limited to 12 participants. Must attend all four sessions. Email jbuck@mit.edu for more information. To register, please visit http://tinyurl.com/HHBMS-IAP2024.

Water Reuse Workshop (Introductory)
Jan/22 Mon 10:00AM–12:00PM
Jan/23 Tue 10:00AM–12:00PM
Jan/24 Wed 10:00AM–12:00PM
Jan/25 Thu 10:00AM–12:00PM

Participants will explore topics and unit operations of wastewater and water treatment in this hands-on wet lab workshop. Students are introduced to various constituents of water and processes for characterizing and measuring these components. Individual treatment unit operations include: pH adjustment, screening/filtration, solids settling/clarification, activated sludge treatment, ion exchange, reverse osmosis, disinfection, and activated carbon adsorption. Students will attemp to assemble a complete treatment train to recycle a simulated industrial wastewater stream. Limited to 6 participants. Must attend all three sessions. For more information, please email jbuck@mit.edu. To register, please visit http://tinyurl.com/HHBMS-IAP2024.