Tessa is a recent graduate of the Pennsylvania State University, receiving degrees in both community, environment, & development as well as global & international studies, graduating from The Schreyer Honors College, magna cum laude and student marshal. As a research associate at Penn State’s Center for Economic and Community Development since 2016, Tessa worked on numerous multidisciplinary research initiatives, such as statewide economic development analysis and the creation of community development initiatives surrounding public scholarship, post-disaster recovery, and civic engagement. After graduating, Tessa served as the program coordinator for the center, overseeing student researchers and a range of publications and projects.

Tessa is passionate about democracy, environmental policy, and urban policy. She previously served as the Urban and Regional Policy intern at the German Marshall Fund of the United States.

Tessa is most excited about learning with and from her students, participating in a cultural exchange, experiencing Indonesian culture (especially batik!), and trying delicious new foods.

For her Fulbright ETA program, Tessa will be placed at Central Java where she will co-teach at SMAN 2 Demak.