About Us
Empowering Scientific Research Through Strategic Collaboration & Support
At Tessera Strategies, we specialize in providing consulting services tailored to the unique needs of scientific researchers, project leaders, and institutions. Our expertise ensures that your teams, projects, and collaborations are optimized for success, whether in-person or remote.
Our Mission
We believe that strong teams are not built alone. They come together like a mosaic, with each piece (i.e., tessera) playing a vital role. We help teams work better together, bridging the gap between strategy, collaboration, and execution in remote, hybrid, and in-person projects.
With a background in organizational strategy, community management, and facilitation within scientific and technical communities, we strive to ensure that teams do not just adopt tools and practices but truly integrate them into their culture. Through evidence-based planning, thoughtful evaluation, and hands-on guidance, we help teams align their people, processes, and priorities for better outcomes, not just for productivity but for the people who power the work.
Our Values
Collaboration
Strong teams thrive on meaningful connections and shared success.
Inclusivity
Equitable participation ensures every voice is valued.
Human-Centered
Productivity should support, not strain, people.
Evidence-Based
Informed strategies grounded in research and expertise.
Sustainability
Lasting solutions that empower long-term success.
The People behind the scene
Meet Our Team
The Tessera Strategies team brings together innovative minds dedicated to collaboration and impact. Our team drives strategy and operations, while our extended network adds expertise and fresh perspectives.
Alycia Crall
Director of Community Engagement and Strategy
Alycia is dedicated to fostering collaboration, inclusivity, and long-term sustainability in science communities, drawing on her expertise in environmental science, citizen science, and community engagement. With experience spanning academia, nonprofits, and large-scale research initiatives, she excels at building and strengthening networks that empower individuals to share knowledge and make positive impacts. She believes that well-supported communities are the foundation for better science and drive more effective solutions to complex global challenges.
Talisha Sutton-Kennedy
Director of Operations and Technology
Talisha is a dynamic leader in operations, strategy, and financial administration, dedicated to strengthening mission-driven organizations. With expertise in nonprofit finance, management, and process improvement, she enhances sustainability and efficiency in community-focused initiatives. A champion of team-building and knowledge-sharing, she fosters a culture of continuous improvement, empowering teams with innovative solutions. Her expertise and commitment drive long-term impact and organizational growth.
Kelly Barnes
Director of Strategic Planning and Evaluation
Kelly has spent her career at the intersection of research, strategy, and social impact, helping mission-driven organizations turn insight into action to create meaningful change. With experience spanning nonprofits, academia, and the public-sector, she specializes in helping organizations not just collect data, but use it to build stronger, more effective teams and programs. Her work is grounded in the belief that better systems create better outcomes, whether in higher education, research institutions, community organizations, or social impact initiatives.
Karen Word
Team Advisor
Karen is an innovative project leader, powerful writer, and careful listener with extensive experience in education and biological research. She seeks positive impacts on science and people through community-based efforts.
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