At the MIT Media Lab, we inspire creativity, transform ideas into action, and connect students with the world’s most pressing challenges.

For almost 40 years, the MIT Media Lab has been at the forefront of technological innovation, transforming how we think about and engage with the world. Our students aren’t just learning—they’re actively shaping the future with research that bridges technology, creativity, and humanity.

To showcase this journey, we’re sharing a series of short videos featuring our students. These videos offer a glimpse into their backgrounds, their research, and the personal passions driving their work. Hear directly from them as they design groundbreaking technologies to create solutions that redefine traditional problems.

Episode 2: Meet Tobin South 
September 27, 2024

Allaying public fears about AI surveillance is an important challenge that Tobin South, a PhD candidate in the Human Dynamics research group, has been working to address throughout his time at the Media Lab. With a work hard, play hard mentality, Tobin is helping to build AI models that will make the technology we use every day more secure while keeping our data private. 

Episode 1: Meet Sarah Ornellas 
August 28, 2024

As a second-year master's student in the Conformable Decoders research group at the MIT Media Lab, Sarah Ornellas works on innovative uses of ultrasound in wearable and implantable medical devices. With a background in biomedical and mechanical engineering, she is passionate about creating accessible, human-centered technologies to enhance health and wellbeing.

The importance of investing in innovation

In today’s rapidly changing world, it’s more important than ever to invest in the next generation of thinkers and doers. At the Media Lab, we’re pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, developing digital tools that connect communities, and inspiring our students to take creative risks. By investing in our students, we invest in solutions that can improve lives, from enhancing personal wellbeing to tackling complex global challenges. Our commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration brings together diverse perspectives to solve traditional problems in innovative ways. Through cross-group collaborations and funding, our students are encouraged to explore bold ideas and create transformative technologies that impact both humanity and the natural world.

How you can support:

Join us in empowering these bright minds. Your support can help provide the resources, mentorship, and opportunities that our students need to thrive. Here’s how you can make a difference:

• Watch + share our videos: Engage with our student stories to see firsthand how they are transforming ideas into reality. Sharing these videos helps amplify their voices and inspires others.
• Donate: Your contributions fund scholarships, research, and new technologies that drive our mission forward.
• Collaborate with us: Work together on groundbreaking projects that push the boundaries of technology and creativity.
• Engage with our community: Attend events, meet our students, and see their innovations up close.

Together, we can help our students turn their passion into impactful innovations. Let’s build a future where creativity knows no bounds and technology serves humanity’s greatest needs. Be a part of our journey at the MIT Media Lab.