Heather Roper’s illustrations take art and science to cosmic heights. With a passion for both disciplines, and a BFA from the University of Arizona, she discovered her calling as the lead graphic designer for the UArizona-led NASA OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample return mission. For a decade, Heather has translated intricate mission concepts into captivating visual narratives that ignite people's curiosity about space exploration.

In the uncharted realms of space exploration, a visual artist's role is pivotal; they endeavor to depict and convey these scientific concepts in ways that are both visually captivating and highly comprehensible. Heather’s unique ability to bridge the gap between scientific data and artistic expression has made her an invaluable asset to the OSIRIS-REx mission; her diverse artistic contributions not only inform but also inspire. Her artwork has achieved international recognition, appearing in prestigious publications like the New York Times, Science, Nature, and Scientific American.