Initiatives

One of our main missions is to make biology exciting and accessible to those with little or life science background through maker-learning. We achieve this by fostering an environment of mentorship and community teaching amongst our members and organizing workshop and project-based classes to equip biomakers with the skills needed to pursue independent projects.

• No wet-lab work: BioMakers student group, events
• Beginners: Workshops and classes
• Intermediate: Community projects, iGEM
• Advanced: Independent projects and mentoring

Engagement
Strengthens the MIT bio-community and ensures BioMakers is a welcoming space for all students. This initiative plans study breaks, social events, and community-building activities, runs the newsletter, coordinates the journal club, and highlights member projects in creative ways. Engagement is a great fit for people who enjoy building connections, improving communication, and fostering an inclusive, vibrant community.

Lab
Leads activities in the BioMakerspace—the hands-on core of our club. Members of this initiative design and teach workshops on fundamental wet lab techniques such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, restriction digests, bacterial photography, and synthetic biology mini-projects. The Lab team also maintains resources and helps members use them effectively. It’s ideal for those excited about teaching, making experimental biology accessible, and organizing new creative projects.

External
Builds collaborations between BioMakers and groups outside the club, at MIT and beyond. This initiative organizes flagship events such as bioengineering symposia, mixers, workshops, and speaker sessions. External also secures sponsorships and fosters relationships with biotech startups and Boston-area companies. It’s a great fit for people interested in outreach, networking, and shaping BioMakers’ external presence.

Associates

BioMakers Associates are the core student leaders who work closely with committee leads—members of the Executive Team—to bring each initiative to life. Associates help plan events, design workshops, and strengthen community engagement across MIT. Through collaboration and mentorship, they gain leadership and technical experience while advancing BioMakers’ mission of making biology accessible, creative, and hands-on.