With more than 15 years of experience in research-intensive academic research and biomedical communications, she specializes in translating complex biomedical science, emerging pathogen risk, and vaccine evidence into clear, credible narratives for leadership, policymakers, and the public.

Her professional path reflects an early convergence of science and storytelling. Heather began her undergraduate training as a music major, studying music theory and performing in jazz ensembles before shifting to molecular cell biology. That foundation in structure and disciplined listening continues to shape her approach to scientific communication, particularly her emphasis on clarity, narrative coherence, and audience awareness.

Trained as a virologist with expertise in emerging viral disease pathogenesis, Heather conducted research at BSL-4 and was the first graduate student to work in a BSL-4 facility in the United States. She was awarded competitive biodefense fellowships before entering science communication through hands-on work supporting faculty and trainees with grants and manuscripts—a role that evolved into senior-level advisory work spanning infectious diseases, vaccines, immunology, and translational science. She has since worked across academic health systems to advise senior research and clinical leadership on high-stakes scientific communications, research positioning, and strategic messaging during periods of policy change, funding uncertainty, and public scrutiny.

In addition to her institutional work, Heather is the creator and producer of an educational podcast focused on infectious diseases, vaccines, and science misinformation. Through long-form narrative storytelling and evidence-based analysis, she addresses complex and often contentious public-health topics—bridging the gap between scientific uncertainty and public understanding. Her writing has appeared in The Conversation and Global Biodefense, among other outlets.

Heather’s professional interests center on systemic risk, science communication failures, and the societal consequences of misinformation—particularly where public health, economic stability, and institutional credibility intersect. She is especially focused on how poorly aligned incentives and unclear scientific messaging can erode trust, constrain individual agency, and produce downstream economic and social harm. She is committed to approaches that respect uncertainty while resisting false balance, and to strengthening evidence-based decision-making in ways that protect both human health and societal resilience.

Alongside her scientific work, Heather is a musician and writer of fiction, poetry, and songs.