MIT DIYbio:Space Request

Email 1
from	Paul Baranay 

to	clgreene@mit.edu

cc	diybio@mit.edu

date	Fri, Aug 21, 2009 at 11:17 AM

subject	New Bioengineering Group

Hi Cathy,

A few friends and I started talking about creating a student group dedicated to do-it-yourself biology ("DIYbio"). DIYbio is a national movement dedicated to making biology more accessible to the rest of the world, especially amateur bioengineers. As a student group, our mission would be to generally promote DIYbio at MIT, as well as to create a community where MIT students can come together to share knowledge and ideas about DIYbio. Some projects that fall under DIYbio include building our own gel boxes, and finding ways of doing expensive experiments safely with minimal equipment.

Right now, the group is in the initial planning phases. However, Professor Tom Knight has already volunteered to donate old equipment from his lab to us. We are also working on applying for recognition from the Association of Student Activities.

In addition to formal recognition, one of our major goals is to find a space on-campus where we could perform experiments and run demonstrations safely. Unfortunately, as everyone knows, office and lab space are highly in-demand all across MIT. Considering the group's focus on bioengineering, I was hoping there would be a chance the Department of Biological Engineering might be able to help us find space. When thinking of who to talk to, you were the first person who came to mind. The rest of the group and I would greatly appreciate any help or advice you would be able to give us.

Thanks so much for your time, Cathy!

Sincerely, Paul

Response
from	Cathy L. Greene 

to	Paul Baranay 

cc	diybio@mit.edu

date	Thu, Aug 27, 2009 at 10:09 AM

subject	Re: New Bioengineering Group Hi Paul,

I forwarded your request to BE's administrative officers as well as the instructors of the 20.109 and 20.309 laboratories. I will keep you updated on their responses.

Sincerely, Cathy