Sarah Benat

Sarah Benat is a 10^th-12^th grade Biology and Chemistry teacher at Brighton High School in Boston, Massachusetts. In 2016, she participated in MEMS research with David Bishop in the Photonics Center, focusing mainly on how to collect data with an optical microscope.

This year, Sarah has been working with Bioventus, an incubator lab within the Photonics Center developing medical applications for bone growth. She has learned much about biotech protocols, partners, new tools, microscopy, and solutions. This has provided her with valuable engineering experience and exposure to molecular biology.

Through the RET program, Sarah has gained insight on actual scientific research. She says it has given her ideas for how to elevate science in her school and bring a more hands-on approach to the classroom. This year, her students will be learning how to use pipettes and microscopes, as well as how to prepare slides and observe samples.

Next year, she will likely continue with research, since she did not have the chance to participate much during her undergraduate studies. Through these new experiences, she hopes to find ways of implementing new practices as a teacher.

To future RET participants, Sarah suggests asking lots of questions and being actively involved in the lab. “Everyone here is excited about learning and they are happy to show you what is going on, and why.”