For more than a century, hands-on making and experimentation have been central to Berkeley Physics. The Physics Student Machine Shop has long supported experimental research by giving students the opportunity to learn how to safely operate high-precision machinery and fabricate the complex components required for their projects, apparatuses, and instrumentation. Building on this tradition, the Paul L. Richards Physics Innovation Laboratory (PIL) expands access through a student-led model that emphasizes peer mentorship, leadership, and inclusivity. Designed to lower common barriers to entry, PIL offers a welcoming environment where students from diverse backgrounds can confidently engage in hands-on work without the need for extensive prior training.
