Meet the scientists behind the science, at Brown’s Multidisciplinary Teaching Laboratories

PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] - They are the engine that powers every laboratory-based biology course at Brown. They fix centrifuges, organize pipettes and prepare gels. They troubleshoot, suggest lab activities and find alternatives when supplies are unavailable. At Brown University, the scientists and technicians at the University's Multidisciplinary Teaching Laboratories are the team that brings lab-based teaching and learning to life.

In 2024, when a lab needed to be set up for a Winter Session course that involved molecular biology, microbiology, bioinformatics and chemistry, the MDL team took care of it, enabling the students to participate in a global research quest for cures to antibiotic resistance.

"The class could not have happened without the help of the MDL staff - they were integral to its success," said Toni-Marie Achilli, associate dean of biology undergraduate education and a senior lecturer in biology. "They came into the lab during the holiday break to make sure that everything was ready for the students for Jan. 2."

And after the class began, MDL staff attended each session to assist student researchers.

The Multidisciplinary Teaching Laboratories at Brown - known on campus as the MDL - is a hub of scientific innovation, support and education. The MDL team is comprised of highly skilled staff, all scientists themselves, who are committed to helping students master fundamental lab techniques and supporting Brown faculty who are teaching the next generation of researchers to pursue novel research questions.

Each year, MDL's laboratories host more than 2,000 students, including nearly 1,000 undergraduates across 19 courses; 1,000 high school students in the five-weekSummer@Brown program, spanning 36 courses; and 150 Warren Alpert Medical School students in a medical microbiology course.

"Every biology lab course at Brown has someone from our team assigned who works directly with instructors and teaching assistants," said Director of Multidisciplinary Teaching Laboratories Chuck Toth, who is also an adjunct professor in biology. "For many students, this may be their first chance to conduct experiments in a lab. The MDL is a really wonderful opportunity for us to be impactful in many ways, providing hands-on experience for students and supporting amazing Brown instructors."