Janeil’s commitment to the life sciences is evidenced by her clear trajectory toward a career in biomedical research—a path she has pursued with remarkable initiative and grit. Janeil has a bright scientific mind and a determination to truly master complex concepts.

Her curiosity is a defining trait; she is known for proactively asking the necessary questions to deepen her understanding of difficult material. This drive has led her to pursue extensive out-of-school science activities, including:

• Seeking out an internship with LEAH Daly at MIT.
• A prestigious internship at the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, where she mastered sophisticated techniques to contribute to research on a preventative treatment for malaria.
• Participation in the Biobuilder High School Apprenticeship, through which she earned specialized laboratory training and certifications.
• Engaging in the Eli Lilly x NMHS STEM Mentorship program to gain further mentorship from someone in the industry to better prepare navigating an education and getting a career in the life sciences.

Janeil is passionate about pursuing a degree and career in the life sciences, driven to create medicines or make discoveries that help improve the lives of others.

Sarah Benat is a high school science teacher at Brighton High School in the Boston Public Schools. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Science Education from Boston University and later went on to earn a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from UMass Lowell. For over 10 years, she has encouraged all her students to see themselves as scientists by embedding MassBioEd activities in the general biology and AP biology curriculum. In her school, Sarah is known for making complex lab protocols accessible to all students by modeling, adding visuals, using repetition, and chunking the text. Sarah believes that with the right tools, all students will be empowered to be curious, independent thinkers who engage in scientific inquiry with their peers.

Representative Ted Philips’ district includes Stoughton, Mansfield, Sharon, and Walpole. He brings a deeply personal perspective to both education and life sciences. His mother spent her career in the life sciences industry, and his father served as a dedicated middle school teacher. That upbringing shines through in his legislative leadership—sponsoring critical bills to make our schools safer and healthier, while ensuring teachers have the exact tools and resources they need to deliver high-quality education.

A lifelong resident of Sharon, Massachusetts, Representative Philips earned his undergraduate degree in Political Science from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He also holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the Sawyer School of Business at Suffolk University.

Representative Philips worked in the Massachusetts State Senate for Senator Stephen M. Brewer of Barre for a year before transferring to the office of State Representative Louis Kafka of the 8th Norfolk District, whom he ultimately succeeded in the House of Representatives. Over fifteen years he rose from Legislative Aide to Committee Director to Staff Director.

In 2020, Representative Philips was elected to represent the 8th Norfolk District in the Massachusetts State House. He is proud to serve as the Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation. He also serves on the Joint Committees on Revenue and the House Committee on Human Resources and Employee Engagement.

Senator Sal DiDomenico represents Chelsea, Everett, and Cambridge, serves as Assistant Majority Leader, and chairs the Life Sciences Caucus. He has always made a thriving life sciences sector a top priority—recognizing that the strength of our industry depends on building a diverse, talented workforce pipeline. Beyond his life sciences advocacy, Senator DiDomenico has been a relentless champion for working families, fighting for food security, childcare, youth employment, domestic violence prevention, and anti-poverty programs across the Commonwealth.

Senator DiDomenico earned his B.A. in Business Administration from Boston College. Prior to his election to the State Senate, he began his work in public service by holding four terms as an Everett City Councilor and serving as President of the Everett City Council, as well as Chief of Staff to former State Senator Anthony Galluccio. Before entering state government, he spent twelve years working in the hospitality industry.

Senator DiDomenico has proudly served as State Senator for the Middlesex and Suffolk District of Massachusetts since May of 2010. He represents a diverse district that includes the communities of Charlestown, Chelsea, Everett, and parts of Cambridge. Throughout his tenure in the Massachusetts Senate, he has remained committed to enhancing the lives of his constituents and residents across the Commonwealth.

Senator DiDomenico also serves as Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Education, and as a member of the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development, Senate Committee on Steering and Policy, Senate Committee on Personnel and Administration, and the Joint Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs.