As biomedical engineering students, we are deeply saddened by the recent closure of the BME Design Shop since our faculty advisor, Marty Jacobson, has left the position. This shop served as a BME makerspace and has been an invaluable resource, providing a space to learn and apply technical skills while fostering ideation and innovation within our field. It represents progress, collaboration, and innovation for the sake of humanity.

The BME Design Shop is the heart of biomedical engineering here at Tech, with our BME program as the largest in the nation with approximately 1,500 enrolled students. It has more than machines and 3D printers; it is a hub of innovation, connection, mentorship, and ingenuity. It supported biomedical engineering students at various stages of their academic journey. Whether it be designing prototypes for class projects or developing innovative solutions for real-world healthcare challenges, the shop has been an essential hub where creativity thrived. The Design Shop holds precious memories for current and past students. By closing it, future BMEs won't know what that was like.

Additionally, corporate companies used our Design Shop due to the wide range of equipment including our 3D printers, laser cutter, CNC Mill, lathe, and more. Unfortunately, they have been told their access has been revoked and they can no longer use our equipment. This will inevitably diminish our professional connections and job prospects for BME students in the real world. 

We urge the BME Department to reconsider its choice and work towards finding a solution that allows the BME Design Shop to safely reopen its doors. We propose collaborating with students for us to manage the shop just like the Invention Studio. The BME department should also allocate funds from its budget to hire shop faculty because there is currently no budget for it.

Students deserve to have their voices heard especially when it comes to altering the course of applied learning and career opportunities. Medical Robotics, Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES), and Engineering World Health (EWH) are partnering for this effort but we need your help to move forward. Sign this petition today and together, we can bring back the BME Design Shop and empower future generations of biomedical engineers at Georgia Tech!

Thank you for your support!

~ BMEs at Tech