From Fabric to Fun
A meaningful project lead by student Gabby Simpson ’25 – innovation improves life for campus’s smallest residents, “The rats love them!”
Idea Lab
Where Curiosity Meets Action
The Idea Lab is more than just a room in the DeWitt Wallace Library—it’s a collaborative workspace where students, faculty, and community come together to build, test, learn, and play. At the heart of Entrepreneurship & Innovation Department is the Idea Lab, a vibrant ecosystem designed to help move from curiosity to action and real-world impact. Whether you are looking to tackle a complex challenge or simply want to explore a new skill, this space is built for the entire Macalester community.
What You’ll Find In The Idea Lab
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a dynamic and flexible environment for courses to engage in creative thinking, and learn content in unique and innovative ways.
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peer-to-peer learning to build practical life skills.
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a low-pressure way to get started and collaborate alongside supportive staff.
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a place for all to innovate, collaborate, and bring ideas to life.
Unique Creative activities & engaging Recurring Sessions
Weekly students lead hands-on, playful workshops and recurring drop-in sessions. Think mending or sewing, slime, collage, knitting or crocheting, painting, 2-D and 3-D low tech construction, and so much more! Materials and supplies provided. No skills needed. Watch the Mac Daily for announcements or follow our Instagram!
Monthly in the Idea Lab
Idea Lab News & Highlights
Course Work in the Idea Lab
Paper prototypes of the Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science department website and prototype assistive technology
Building Connections
“I love the Idea Lab as a space to connect with people, try out new skills, and be creative.” Alexandra Parr ’25
