Education & Employment

  • The University of Arizona | Senior Media Specialist (Commencement & Ceremonies)

    Responsible for creating and managing digital and print assets for the University's 2021 Commencement ceremonies, ensuring that all assets coorespond to current brand guidelines. Outreach and coordination on the ground during ceremonies to ensure event success and a safe and celebratory student experience.

  • OSIRIS-REx Asteroid Sample Return Mission (NASA & University of Arizona) | Senior Media Specialist

    As the lead Graphic Designer for the OSIRIS-REx mission, I worked directly with the Communications team and upper mission management on the development of communication, marketing, and outreach strategies. I developed, created, and managed a wide range of visual assets, including technical and scientific figures and infographics, illustrations, social media and website graphic content. I was responsible for overseeing brand management, digital, web, & print assets, vendor relations, digital and physical public engagements, and general media & production requirements. Photography, web design, video editing, cutting and mounting, and traditional artistic medium projects completed on an occasional, as-needed basis.

  • University of Arizona | Bachelor of Fine Arts - Visual Communication

    2015 Magna Cum Laude graduate;
    Bachelor of Fine Arts,
    Visual Communication

  • OSIRIS-REx Asteroid Sample Return Mission (NASA & University of Arizona) | Undergraduate Graphic Artist

    While working towards my Bachelor's degree I joined NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission team as a part time Graphic Artist. Upon the completion of my degree, I competed for a full-time Graphic Designer position and was hired in May 2015.

    As an Undergraduate Graphic Artist, worked with team members to create a variety of digital, print, and traditional materials, including: large- and small-scale posters, social media graphics, brochures, illustrations, painted models, photo editing, and other public engagement collateral. I assisted in the production and creation of illustrated and live-action video projects.

  • Freelance | Varying Projects

    I intermittently provide freelance graphic support to space missions, in both proposal and active mission phases, as well as freelance graphic design, illustration, and photography projects.





    Interested in knowing more?
    View my Resume.

Skills & Expertise

Multimedia Professional: Graphic Design, Illustration, Visual Communication, Photography

10 years experience average in each. Experience in communicating complex scientific concepts in a visually-appealing and effective format. Skilled in digital and traditional mediums.

Adobe Software Suite

Highly proficient in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop, with 10+ years of near-daily experience in each program. Intermediate knowledge of Adobe InDesign, Adobe Premiere, and Adobe Acrobat, 5+ years experience using each program.

Marketing & Communications

7+ years of experience in the creation of marketing campaigns, communication strategies, social media campaigns, and promotional materials. Skilled in maintaining brand identity and visually communicating complex concepts. Working knowledge of written communication practices and styles.

Microsoft Software Suite & More

Competent in the creation and management of files in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook. Working knowledge of Google software equivilents. 10+ years of experience in each. Skilled in learning new programs and systems quickly and efficiently. Proficient in both PC and Mac operating systems.

Public Engagement & Outreach

6+ years experience representing a brand and effectively communicating complex scientific concepts in an easy-to-understand format to audiences of all ages, via digital formats and in-person interactions.

Adaptable & Versitile

Effectively completes tasks, communicates, and collaborates while working both independently and on a team. Collected and effective under tight deadlines. Creative problem solver. Quick learner with a positive and professional attitude.

Accolades & Achievements

University of Arizona Honors & Magna Cum Laude Graduate

Three-time honors recipient, recognized for outstanding academic commitment, excellence, and achievement. Magna Cum Laude, BFA.

Graphics Featured Around The World

My work has reached audiences around the world - Australia, Canada, Europe, Japan, and Russia, to name a few. Nationally, my work has been featured and acclaimed in the New York Times, Science, Scientific American, and more; on 60 Minutes and NASA TV programming; on the U.S. House floor and in Congressional offices; in multiple scientific journals; and featured in tweets by astronauts Chris Hadfield and Buzz Aldrin, and former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine.

Asteroid 133850 "Heatherroper"

Asteroid named in recognition of Heather's exceptional performance and contributions to NASA's OSIRIS-REx Asteroid Sample Return Mission.

Hello, I'm Heather Roper.

  • At A Glance:
    Multimedia Professional experienced in Graphic Design, Illustration, Marketing & Communication Strategy, Public Outreach, Photography, and more.
  • BFA: Visual Communications
    Bachelor of Fine Arts focused in Visual Communication - Graphic Design and Illustration - from the University of Arizona.
  • More About Me:
    In addition to my skills listed above, I have 6+ years of experience in Brand Creation and Management, Media Relations, and Vendor Relations. I'm proficient in the start-to-finish process of creating and managing a variety of graphics content, as well as the management of media, print, and production requirements. I ensure that projects and products are completed efficiently, accurately, and arrive ahead of schedule. I have experience working independently, on a team, and managing other designers. I'm skilled in public engagement, illustration, and photography, as well as video editing, web design, and traditional art mediums. I'm knowledgeable of the internal workings of an active NASA mission and its communication requirements.
  • Want To Know More?
    Let's connect! I have a life-long passion for creating and learning new things. I'm enthusiastic about space and science, I'm passionate about animals and nature, and I love to travel!
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