Tessa is an anthropologist and a PhD student at both the University of Humanistic Studies and Utrecht University. Within the UoHS, she is affiliated with the Chairgroup Citizenship and Humanisation of the Public Sector. In her research, Tessa focusses on the relations and collaborations between citizens, public organisations, and the state. Within the 'Everyday Citizenship in the Neighbourhood'-project, she researches and collaborates with the Thuis in je Wijk (At Home in Your Neighbourhood) Programme, and investigates the collaborative care practices of partner organisations within the programme. Tessa is specifically interested in the ways in which power and ideas of good care emerge within, and impact, these practices.

Previously, Tessa has done research about electoral and university politics in Yogyakarta, and about the influence of public discourses on the aspirations of youths in Antwerp. In addition, she has worked as a researcher and teacher at TerInfo, a programme at Utrecht University which aims to help schools in discussing terrorism, political violence and disruptive moments in the classroom.