“I couldn't be prouder to see Marissa achieve this goal; her focus and determination are awe-inspiring,” says Lisa Tucci P’16 ’16, recalling the poignant scene when her daughter, Marissa Tucci ’16, graduated this past May from the Tulane University School of Medicine (TUSOM). Family and friends had gathered to celebrate this milestone in Marissa’s journey— with proud father Peter Tucci ’79 P’16 ’16 joining his daughter on stage for the traditional doctoral hooding ceremony. It is a memory the family will treasure forever.

This special moment was a major stepping stone in Marissa Tucci’s path to individual excellence and is a manifestation of her aspirational career goals. Tucci attended Tulane University as an undergraduate, where she graduated magna cum laude with both a bachelor of science in neuroscience and a bachelor of science in public health. In 2020, she began four intense years at TUSOM where she graduated at the top of her class. Now, at the precipice of perhaps her greatest challenge yet, she begins a seven-year neurosurgery residency this fall at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, one of the leading neurosurgical centers and top residency programs in the country.

Tucci’s ambitions took root during her years as a Pennington student. Starting in ninth grade alongside her identical twin sister, Sabrina ’16, Marissa took full advantage of the experience—enrolling in academically rigorous courses, playing on the varsity girls’ basketball team, and participating in various clubs and activities. She especially loved her science courses: “They weren’t always the easiest courses for me, and I had to work hard to do well, but I felt deeply connected to the subject matter. I remember sitting in AP Biology, listening to Dr. Heyeck and thinking, This is what I want to do!” 

Tucci credits her Pennington experience with teaching her the importance of perseverance and sparking an appreciation for teamwork. Most notably, it was Pennington’s service trips to Haiti in 2014 and 2015, in which both Marissa and Sabrina participated, that were transformational and planted the seed for Marissa’s pursuit of medicine as a career. Ten students and six adults (including Lisa Tucci, a registered nurse) traveled to Haiti during spring break to serve the local communities at pop-up medical clinics in three remote villages. The clinics provided care, prescription medications, vitamins, food for patients, and much more. Tucci says, “It was incredibly moving to see the breadth of essential services and medical attention provided by the local and visiting medical professionals, all working together. It was critical, hands-on work to address healthcare inequities. Over the years, I come back to memories of these trips— and now see them as a catalyst for my passion for medicine and public health.”

For all who know the Tucci family, it is undeniable that the family’s love and support, as well as the model set by Marissa’s parents, have also played a significant role in her success. From an early age Tucci understood the powerful possibilities of making the most of the experience. Her father, Peter Tucci ’79 P’16 ’16—who is not only an alumnus but also Chair of Pennington’s Board of Trustees—had imparted to both of his children the importance of trying new things, finding your passions, and gaining the skills and confidence needed to build a bright future. He says, “Beyond doing well in the classroom, it was important to me and Lisa that our girls explored and found their individual sparks. I am in awe of both Marissa and Sabrina, and not just for all they have accomplished at their young ages, but for finding their voices, taking risks, and leaning in to making a difference in this world. Pennington taught them well...a father couldn’t be prouder.”
                    
Marissa speaks with similar adoration and respect for her parents, and credits them with allowing her to have that space for discovery. Marissa’s mother Lisa, a retired operating room nurse at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, was a sounding board and critical source of unwavering support for her daughter throughout medical school. Marissa says, “I’d call almost every day. I know my mother understands where I am coming from and gives me honest reflections. My parents are always there for me. I am incredibly lucky.”

Tucci will need to tap into that support system and draw on her exceptional focus and conviction this summer as she begins what will perhaps be the toughest leg of her career journey. Neurosurgery is one of the most challenging and most competitive specialties in medicine—only 0.5% of all registered physicians in the U.S. are neurosurgeons. Those numbers get even smaller for women. As of 2022, there were only 405 women in the U.S practicing in the field.
                    
These statistics may be daunting for some, yet there is only excitement for Tucci as she begins this next chapter. “Jefferson was my first choice and has an amazing program. I did a month-long internship there and I am looking forward to working with and learning from the incredible faculty, residents and, most importantly, the patient population at Jefferson. I am going to keep an open mind about where and how I will evolve my interests within the field, but I know that I am going to be immersed in work that I love.”
                    
Now living in Philadelphia to start her residency, Tucci is delighted to be closer to many friends and family and hopes to get back to Pennington for some alumni events on campus. She will, however, miss being in the same city as her twin sister, Sabrina (who has also made the most of her education, receiving both her BS and MS degrees from Tulane University’s School of Science and Engineering and is now serving as the programs supervisor at the Louisiana SPCA).
                    
In the Penseman 2016 yearbook, Marissa and her sister were voted as the seniors “Most Likely to Save the World.” They certainly have our vote!