Heather Nelson
About Heather Nelson
Heather Nelson is the Senior Manager of University Relations at Blue Origin, where she leads initiatives to foster partnerships between the company and academic institutions.
Current Role at Blue Origin
Heather Nelson is the Senior Manager of University Relations at Blue Origin, based in Kent, WA, in the Seattle area. In this role since 2014, she leads initiatives to foster partnerships between Blue Origin and academic institutions. Her work focuses on creating pathways for students and recent graduates to enter the aerospace field through internships and collaborative projects. She has been instrumental in developing programs that connect university students with opportunities in the aerospace industry.
Professional Experience at Penn State University
Prior to her role at Blue Origin, Heather Nelson worked at Penn State University as part of the Education and Public Outreach team at the Penn State Astrobiology Research Center from 2009 to 2014. Over this five-year period, she contributed to outreach programs aimed at enhancing public understanding and interest in astrobiology.
NASA Experience
Heather Nelson has notable experience with NASA, where she served as the Assistant Director of the NASA Pennsylvania Space Grant from 2008 to 2014. During her six-year tenure, she played a critical role in managing and promoting the programs that support space science research and education in Pennsylvania.
Educational Background
Heather Nelson studied Environmental Science at Penn State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. Her educational foundation in environmental science has underpinned her professional endeavors in space science and education outreach.
University Relations Initiatives at Blue Origin
As Senior Manager of University Relations at Blue Origin, Heather Nelson has been responsible for developing and implementing programs aimed at recruiting early career talent from academic institutions. Her initiatives include fostering partnerships with universities, facilitating internships, and creating collaborative projects that provide students and recent graduates with hands-on experience in the aerospace industry.