The first stop that left Khanh in awe was the BioMaker Space – a hub where students and researchers design cutting-edge biological systems. While Khanh had read about open labs before, seeing BioMaker Space firsthand was transformative. It wasn’t just the advanced tools that impressed him; it was the culture of creativity. Here, innovation begins with a simple, natural process: try, fail, adjust, and keep building. This mindset planted a seed in Khanh’s thinking: every breakthrough starts with the courage to try.
Day two of the MIT trip pushed Khanh’s imagination to its limits. “I felt my imagination stretch the most,” he shared. From the philosophy of experimentation, Khanh moved into an origami engineering workshop – where folds of paper became medical devices, robotic structures, and even systems for space deployment. It was a revelation: creativity isn’t just about art; it’s a force that drives technology forward. Later that day, the energy shifted dramatically at the Motorsport Formula SAE garage. Here, precision ruled every detail of the racing car, each component reflecting passion and teamwork. Two contrasting worlds – yet both equally inspiring.
By day three, the puzzle pieces began to fit together. Khanh explored the Light Room in MIT’s Art Department, where light, color, and shadow blended seamlessly with technology. This experience revealed a profound truth: science and art aren’t opposites – they amplify each other. Creativity isn’t an accessory to science; it’s the key that makes it meaningful and human.
The final days were dedicated to project work – applying creativity and technical skills to solve real-world climate challenges. Designing experiments for zero-gravity conditions forced Khanh and his peers to abandon familiar assumptions. The unfamiliar environment posed countless obstacles, but it also proved something vital: imagination is as essential as scientific knowledge when addressing global issues like climate change.
Beyond knowledge, Khanh built lasting connections with inspiring mentors and peers: Arthur (biological research and zero-gravity experiments), Professor Jeff Frielich (AI development), and Professor John (cancer research at the Koch Institute). These relationships, Khanh believes, will guide him as he ventures deeper into scientific research.
Reflecting on the journey, Khanh shared:
“Looking back, this week didn’t just introduce me to new fields; it shifted how I think about myself as a learner. Being surrounded by people who constantly push boundaries made me want to aim higher, think differently, and stay curious. I left Boston feeling both humbled and motivated: there’s so much more to learn, but now I feel eager to step into that challenge.”
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