The MakerHub at Baruch College recently showcased its commitment to innovative education by partnering with Jean Gaffney’s Biochemistry class for a special session on October 3, 2023.

This session provided students with a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience, leveraging the resources and expertise of the MakerHub. The workshop aimed to deepen students’ understanding of biochemistry through practical application and creativity, aligning with MakerHub’s ethos of blending technology, design, and entrepreneurship.

Engaging Workshop

The day was structured to maximize student engagement and learning, beginning with a brief introduction to the MakerHub and its philosophy of “Learn. Make. Play.”

The session featured several key activities designed to enhance the students’ learning experience:

• Introduction to Prototyping, 3D Design, and Printing: Workshops tailored to explore the complexities of protein structures, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge practically.
• Low-fidelity Prototyping: Students created models using materials like pipe cleaners, wire, and paper, facilitating a hands-on approach to understanding protein structures.

Advanced Modeling Techniques

The project leveraged advanced resources and technology to bring student designs to life:

• Utilization of NIH Model Libraries: Students accessed scientifically accurate models from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to inform their designs.
• 3D Printed Models: Using both thermoset and thermoplastic 3D printers, students’ designs were transformed into tangible models, showcasing the MakerHub’s technological capabilities.

Comprehensive Student Research

The culmination of the project saw students present their findings through various mediums, enhancing the learning experience.

• Written Paper: Detailed research papers discussing their protein models and the science behind them.
• Engaging Presentations: Presentations were supported by visual and tactile aids, including the 3D printed models, making the sharing of their findings more impactful.
• Visual and Tactile Aids: The use of 3D models not only enriched the presentations but also provided a tangible connection to the abstract concepts discussed in their research.

This approach to learning underscored the value of interdisciplinary education, blending the analytical rigor of scientific research with the creative and practical aspects of design and prototyping.

Through this collaboration, MakerHub successfully demonstrated how technology and creativity could be harnessed to enhance academic learning, making complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging for students.