Get Trained

Training is organized by instrument. You do not need to know the exact tool before you begin: start with the material or question you want to investigate, then use the instrument pages or ask the Breakerspace team for help choosing. Complete the relevant training before reserving or using an instrument independently.

Public calendar sessions currently prioritize MIT undergraduates. MIT faculty, staff, and other community members interested in training should contact dmse-breakerspace@mit.edu directly to discuss their needs.

Quick Actions

Your Training Pathway

1. Start With A Question

Choose an instrument based on what you need to observe or measure. The instrument pages explain what each tool can show, which samples are compatible, and where to find training and reservation links.

If your project involves an unusual sample or an advanced measurement, ask staff before choosing a session. A short conversation can prevent unnecessary training or help identify a better method.

2. Register For Training

Choose an available session from the training calendar. Standard sessions are one hour and have a maximum enrollment of three people. If the instrument you need is not listed, or none of the available times work, email dmse-breakerspace@mit.edu and the team will help arrange an option.

If your plans change, please cancel your registration when you can so another student can use the place. There is no penalty for missing a session or registering again; the team understands that student schedules change.

3. Prepare Before The Session

Before your first in-person instrument training, complete the one-time Breakerspace online training and training record. It includes a review of Safety And Lab Use and collects the information needed for physical tap access.

If you have completed an in-person training but do not have tap access, confirm that you submitted this online record. If you submitted it and access is still missing, follow the steps under Access And Account Problems.

The online record also walks you through Breakerspace Dropbox access. If needed, create an MIT Dropbox for Business account, then request membership in the DMSE Breakerspace Team. Staff cannot approve membership until the account exists.

Before training, open the relevant instrument page and review:

• What the instrument measures and what its output means.
• Compatible materials, sample-size limits, and preparation needs.
• The standard workflow and any unfamiliar vocabulary.
• General safety, cleanup, and data-saving expectations.

Training normally uses a sample selected for the instrument workflow. If you requested training for a specific project, staff may ask you to bring your own approved sample. Do not bring an unusual, hazardous, wet, loose, reactive, biological, vacuum-sensitive, magnetic, odorous, sharp, fragile, unusually large, or unknown sample without discussing it with Breakerspace staff first.

4. Learn At The Instrument

Complete the in-person training tasks at the instrument with guidance and oversight from Breakerspace staff or another designated trainer.

5. Confirm Your Access

After an in-person instrument training, the trainer should add you directly to the appropriate MIT Moira group for that instrument workstation. Physical tap access is processed separately by the lab manager after your one-time Qualtrics online training record is complete.

For Dropbox access, create an MIT Dropbox for Business account and request membership in the DMSE Breakerspace Team during the online onboarding process. Breakerspace staff approve the request after it is submitted. During training closeout, the trainer should send you an invitation to the Breakerspace Slack workspace.

If you completed training but cannot enter the lab, log in to an instrument workstation, obtain the expected Slack invitation, or access the Dropbox Team after requesting membership, see Access And Account Problems or email dmse-breakerspace@mit.edu.

Types Of Training And Support

Standard Instrument Training

The normal starting point for users who want to operate an instrument independently. Register through the training calendar or contact the Breakerspace team when no suitable session is listed.

Advanced And Project Support

Already-trained users can work with Breakerspace staff when a project requires a more demanding sample, method, accessory, or analysis workflow. Start by asking staff in the lab, then use Slack or email when no one is available.

Course And Teaching-Team Training

The Breakerspace can coordinate instrument training for students, instructors, teaching assistants, and teaching fellows as part of a broader subject collaboration. More substantial engagements should be planned before the semester begins whenever possible. See Teach With The Breakerspace for collaboration models and staffing guidance.

Upcoming Training Sessions