Jacobs Institute Student Newsletter: February 3rd, 2026
Jacobs Institute Student Newsletter
UPCOMING@JACOBS
Jacobs Institute-organized events, news, and announcements—straight from the source.
TONIGHT! DESIGN FIELD NOTES SP26: JOE SPEICHER
Tuesday, February 3rd, 6:30-7:30 PM ⋅ 310 Jacobs Hall (3rd Floor)
RSVP
Join us this Tuesday evening, February 3rd, to hear from Joe Speicher, Chief Sustainability Officer at Autodesk, at the first Design Field Notes lecture of the spring semester. Joe leads Autodesk’s global Impact strategy, guiding how one of the world’s most influential design and engineering platforms embeds sustainability into its products, business strategies, and customer partnerships at global scale.
Joe also serves as President of the Autodesk Foundation, where he has helped pioneer an approach to corporate sustainability that combines philanthropy, early-stage investment in climate and green startups, and access to design tools—supporting innovators working on everything from low-carbon materials to climate resilience.
This is a rare opportunity to meet a leader shaping sustainability at global scale—and to hear how design operates not just as a concept, but as capital, infrastructure, and leverage. Join us and series host/course instructor Thomas J McLeish for the lecture, then stay for conversation and refreshments.
Come for the talk, stay for refreshments and conversation! RSVP
CLOSING SOON: 2026 Jacobs Student Innovation Council Applications
The Jacobs Student Innovation Council is seeking dedicated, diverse undergraduate and graduate students to serve as the authentic voice of the Jacobs community for 2026. As a member, you will directly influence strategic planning, program development, and resource evolution by bringing student perspectives to the forefront. This is a unique opportunity to act as a change agent, leading crucial Student Community Town Halls, analyzing data to propose and implement solutions, and offering vital feedback to Jacobs staff and leadership. Commit just 1-2 hours per week to regular meetings and engagement programming, and you'll play a vital role in fostering an equitable, inclusive, and collaborative environment, ultimately empowering students to excel in designing technologies that benefit people and the planet. Learn more about the program here.
Submit an application by Monday, February 2nd, 9AM PST. Friday, February 6th, 9AM PST.
BIG DATA AND *YOUR* PRIVACY WORKSHOP
Thursday, February 12th, 10 AM ⋅ 10C Jacobs Hall (Basement)
NO MAKERPASS REQUIRED!
Jacobs Design Specialist Chris Parsell leads this free workshop. Explore how your data is collected, used and the risks it can pose. Learn how to opt out, secure your devices and take back control of your digital presence. Open to all, but please RSVP
P.S. Check out the complete lineup of upcoming Maker Toolbox workshops (Laser cutting! Learn Grasshopper! Make a chess set!) here.
TODDLER MOBILITY TRAINER BUILD PARTY
Friday, February 13, at 1 PM - 4 PM, Jacobs Room 10 (basement)
RSVP here (space limited!)
Want to build something meaningful that can help a child with disabilities independently explore the world around them? Join us for a collaborative Toddler Mobility Trainer build party, where students and community members will work side by side to create a real, open-source solution for children with limited mobility. Come with friends, roll up your sleeves, and build something that will truly change lives.
Space is limited, and registration is required. We’ll provide refreshments and snacks for participants.
DESIGN OPPORTUNITIES DIGEST
non-Jacobs Institute-affiliated events, opportunities, and programs—at your fingertips.
DanceHack 2026 - RESONANT BODIES
DanceHack is a 3 day festival with workshops, collaborations and mini performances created on the spot!
Join Kinetech Arts at the University of California, Berkeley for DanceHack 2026 - Resonant Bodies on Feb 20-22, 2026!
This in-person event will bring together dancers, choreographers, scientists, enginners, and interdisciplinary artists to explore the intersection of dance, science and technology. Whether you are a seasoned pro or just curious, this event is perfect for anyone interested in pushing boundaries, exploring new creative possibilities and adding their voices in the development of humancentric technologies.
Don't miss out in this unique opportunity to connect, collaborate, and create with like-minded individuals.
We offer sliding scale prices so that everyone can participate! Honestly, pick the tier that is appropriate to you. No questions asked! We trust our community! Student registration is $50 for a limited time.
Learn details at www.dancehack.org. Register here.
Interested in volunteering? Complete this form. It is first come first serve, with a max of 10 sign up spots and registration is free.
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This newsletter was created with assistance from artificial intelligence to help summarize events and programs.
To add your event to the Jacobs Student Newsletter, please contact Janrey Javier at janrey...@berkeley.edu.
Get your Jacobs Maker Pass and get access to a world-class prototyping and fabrication facility — training and mentorship by professional staff included.
If you require accommodation for a disability for effective communication (ASL interpreting/CART captioning, alternative media formats, etc.) or information about campus mobility access features in order to fully participate in this event, please contact Jacobs Institute staff at jacobsi...@berkeley.edu with as much advance notice as possible and at least 7-10 days in advance of the event.
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