MIT BioMaker Space Engineering: Building Chemical Cars and Community

Engineering is getting 'squishy' at MIT. In the basement of Building 26, students aren't just reading textbooks—they're building chemically powered cars from scratch using biological systems.

Hands-On MIT BioMaker Space Engineering

Jaden Chizuruoke May ’29 and his teammates are currently tackling a unique challenge in the Huang-Hobbs BioMaker Space. As part of the class "Hands-On Engineering: Squishy Style Making with Biology and Chemistry," taught by Justin Buck, they've designed a model car powered by a layered electrochemical battery.

The lab isn't just for experts. It's a welcoming hub for novices, offering workshops in everything from CRISPR to DNA origami. For May, the most valuable part is the freedom to figure out how to tackle complex tasks independently after receiving initial training.

More Than Just Lab Work

Beyond the technical specs of chemical batteries, the makerspace serves as a social pillar. "The emphasis placed on teamwork is what makes the class feel both welcoming and exciting," May says. It's where he made some of his first friends at MIT, proving that the best engineering happens through collaboration.