She began her tenure here in 1994. She is currently serving as the Assistant Chair of the Natural Sciences Department, the Chair of the UHD Health Professions Advisory Committee, and the Faculty Director of the Joint Admissions Medical Program. Dr. Hessel was instrumental in obtaining American Chemistry Society approval for UHD chemistry degrees and the number of chemistry majors has dramatically increased. In 2001 she received the UHD University-wide Teaching Excellence Award, and then in 2008 she received the Outstanding Alumna Award from her undergraduate institution. In addition to teaching organic chemistry, Dr. Hessel teaches undergraduate students how to conduct research to better prepare them for their professional endeavors. Her research interests include using plant products as potential anti-viral and/or anti-cancer agents.