Tess Fasteen

Biography

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Biology from Indiana University, where I was a National Merit Scholar and a Wells Scholar. I stayed at IU to complete my Ph.D. in Genome, Cell, and Developmental Biology, where I researched the molecular and genetic underpinnings of specialized metabolic programs that are relevant to cancer and obesity. I’ve always been interested in science, and part of that interest stems from how experiments in primary school connected with my personal interest in gardening. From there, my interest in science grew, and these early experiences inform how I approach teaching today- hands on, connected to real life, and rooted in curiosity.

Throughout my academic career, I’ve prioritized instructorship and mentorship, including teaching formal college courses in Cell and Molecular Biology for 5 years, taking on many research mentees in the lab, and designing and teaching an informal course in bioinformatics for graduate students. My teaching journey began when I was in high school, where I founded a peer-tutoring program for math and science that paired high-achieving high schoolers with struggling students at the adjacent middle school, giving both groups of students the
opportunity to engage more deeply with the material. These experiences have sharpened my ability to break down complex concepts into clear, engaging explanations tailored to diverse learning styles and educational backgrounds.

What drives me as an educator is the opportunity to help students build both confidence and mastery. No matter what level I’m teaching at, I strive to create a supportive environment that develops problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and long-term understanding, leaving students more confident in their ability to tackle challenges independently. Whether a student needs to build foundational skills or is ready to push into advanced topics, I strive to meet them where they are and help them grow from there.