Tessa Block: A Rising Star in Biochemistry and Social Impact at Georgetown University
Tessa Block is a driven, ambitious, and passionate Biochemistry student at Georgetown University. With a future at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) ahead of her, Tessa is poised to make significant contributions to both the scientific and social change sectors. From her academic achievements to her extracurricular involvements, Block demonstrates a rare combination of technical expertise, leadership skills, and a deep commitment to improving the community. This article explores her journey, focusing on her academic pursuits, internships, leadership roles, and aspirations.
Academic Background
Tessa Block is currently in her final year at Georgetown University, where she is majoring in Biochemistry and minoring in Medical Humanities. As a member of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS ’25), she has excelled in her coursework while pursuing a multifaceted approach to her education. Her academic focus is a combination of cutting-edge scientific research and the philosophical exploration of what it means to be human in the context of medicine.
Her involvement in the Medical Humanities Initiative at Georgetown reflects her commitment to understanding the social and ethical dimensions of the medical field. In this capacity, Tessa has shared her perspective on how medical education should go beyond the laboratory to consider the patient experience. She advocates for integrating cultural competency into medical training to ensure healthcare providers understand the unique needs of diverse patient populations. For her Senior Capstone Project, she is focusing on emphasizing cultural competency in end-of-life care within medical curricula, addressing a critical gap in current healthcare training.
Research and Internship Experiences
Tessa’s research experiences are as diverse as her academic interests. One of her most notable positions is as an Undergraduate Research Assistant at the Glasgow Laboratory, a research group at Georgetown University focused on biochemistry and molecular biology. Her work at the Glasgow Lab, which also involves the Zebrafish Shared Resource, provides her with valuable exposure to advanced biochemical techniques, including qPCR, cell culture, and other laboratory-based assays. Her research is a critical component of her academic development, giving her the skills and knowledge necessary to tackle real-world scientific challenges.
In addition to her work at Georgetown, Tessa gained hands-on experience as a Biology Research Intern at The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU APL). Here, she worked on projects that explored the applications of biological sciences to contemporary issues. One of her key projects was researching the impact of 3D cell models in studying SARS-CoV-2 infection, a timely and important subject during the pandemic. Tessa’s ability to combine laboratory skills with scientific literature research earned her recognition as a presenter at the ASPIRE Showcase at JHU APL, where she shared her findings on the role of 3D cell models in understanding viral infections.
Tessa also worked as a College Intern for the Applied Biological Sciences Group at JHU APL, where she performed biodefense encapsulation, mammalian cell culture, and various biochemical assays. This experience gave her the chance to apply her academic learning to real-world projects, working in a dynamic environment that seeks to solve pressing global challenges, particularly in the context of biological defense.
Leadership and Extracurricular Activities
Tessa Block’s extracurricular activities showcase her dedication to leadership and community service. At Georgetown University, she holds the position of Vice President and Peer Tutoring Leader for the Chemistry Club. This club plays a vital role in building a strong sense of community among undergraduate chemistry and biochemistry majors. Through hosting social events, providing free tutoring sessions, and engaging in outreach programs, Tessa helps foster a collaborative and supportive environment for her peers.
Another significant aspect of Tessa’s leadership experience is her role as a Senior Consultant at Hilltop Consultants, a student-run organization that empowers students to drive social change through data-driven strategies. Hilltop Consultants works with nonprofits and social impact organizations to enhance their outreach, data modeling, and growth strategies. Tessa’s work in project management, team building, and communication has contributed to the success of several initiatives, demonstrating her ability to navigate complex, real-world problems while making a positive impact on the community.
Her involvement with the Georgetown Scientific Research Journal as a Resources Analyst also highlights her commitment to the dissemination of scientific knowledge. By contributing to the journal, Tessa has played a key role in promoting academic scholarship within the university, supporting her peers in sharing their research and discoveries.
Work Experience and Personal Growth
Before diving fully into the world of research and biochemistry, Tessa worked in several part-time jobs that helped shape her professional and personal growth. One notable position was as a server at Truffles Cafe in Hilton Head, where she worked during the summers. In this high-paced environment, she learned essential skills in time management, organization, and communication. These skills would later benefit her in her academic and professional life.
Tessa also worked as an Operations Intern at Aleksa Karina Bridal, a female-owned small business, where she managed purchase orders, scheduling, and customer feedback. This experience helped her develop strong organizational and marketing skills, while also reinforcing her passion for female empowerment and supporting small businesses.
Recognition and Awards
Tessa’s academic and extracurricular achievements have earned her several recognitions. In 2021, she was nominated and accepted to present her research at the ASPIRE Showcase, a prestigious event at Johns Hopkins University’s Applied Physics Laboratory. Additionally, she was awarded the MedStar Montgomery General Scholarship, which recognizes promising students pursuing careers in healthcare. Tessa’s leadership skills were further acknowledged when she was chosen to represent student-athletes in the Montgomery County Public Schools Student Athlete Leadership Council, where she advocated for equality and fairness in the county’s sports programs.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Tessa Block plans to continue her work in biochemistry and the applied biological sciences field. Her upcoming role as an incoming Biochemist at The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory further illustrates her potential in the industry. As she moves forward in her career, she remains committed to finding ways to use science to improve people’s lives and contribute to solving pressing global issues.
Conclusion
Tessa Block is an exceptional individual whose academic prowess, research experience, leadership abilities, and commitment to social change have made her a standout student at Georgetown University. With a promising future at Johns Hopkins APL and a passion for improving the community, Tessa’s contributions to science and society are just beginning. Her journey serves as an inspiration to others who aim to make a difference through a combination of hard work, passion, and dedication.
