Tesoro joined the Polytechnic Institute of New York University as Research Professor in 1982, continuing her academic career.
In 1982, following a decade at MIT, Giuliana Tesoro became a Research Professor at the Polytechnic Institute of New York University. This appointment allowed her to continue her research into polymer and textile chemistry within an academic setting, further extending her decades-long career of scientific innovation.
At the Polytechnic Institute, Tesoro continued to mentor students and pursue research related to synthetic fibers, flame retardants, and other polymer chemistry applications that had defined her industrial career. Her appointment reflected the growing recognition within academia of the value of her extensive industrial research experience, encompassing more than 125 patents accumulated over nearly four decades in the chemical industry.
Her presence as a senior woman researcher and professor in an engineering-focused institution was significant, given the persistent underrepresentation of women in engineering and applied chemistry faculties throughout the twentieth century. Tesoro's role at the Polytechnic Institute allowed her to continue contributing to the field until her retirement from the position in 1996, cementing her legacy as both an industrial innovator and an academic mentor.