Senior Research Scientist
Marissa Tessman received her MS in Chemistry from University of California, San Diego in 2016, where she developed her expertise in analytical chemistry and polyurethane synthesis. During her tenure at UCSD, Marissa developed the world's first algae-based surfboard as part of her thesis, which later became Algenesis' first commercial product. Marissa has worn many hats as one of Algenesis' first employees, including serving as Principal Investigator on an NSF-funded project to develop algae-based soft foams, and collaborating with researchers at UC San Diego to explore polyurethane biodegradation. This work has resulted in several patents and published papers.
I enjoy running, gardening, traveling, and spending time with my wonderful husband.
I chose a hanger to represent the fashion industry and how I hope someday to see no more forever plastics in our clothes.
I want future generations to inherit a world where plastic pollution isn't the norm that it is today. I hope ocean pollution and microplastics are taught in history books as a catastrophe that humanity solved with smart policies and innovative solutions.
