At Georgia Tech, Heier's dissertation focuses on logistics systems with decentralized decision making. Under the advisement of Professors *zlem Ergun and Julie Swann, her research is positioned to make fundamental contributions to science and provide methods to improve humanitarian response.

Throughout her academic career, Heier has had two main influences: the need to apply mathematics to system problems, and the desire to have positive impact on societal issues. Since receiving her BS in industrial engineering from Kansas State University in 2004, Heier's academic career has been marked by excellence and a drive for philanthropic contributions. As an undergraduate student, she received IIE's A.O. Putnam Memorial Scholarship.

In 2007, Jessica Heier collaborated with fellow ISyE students Aykagan Ak and Clarence L. Wardell III, and faculty members *zlem Ergun and Pinar Keskinocak, on a research project with the Pan American Health Organization. The work in humanitarian relief logistics improved the vaccination supply chain in 37 countries in Central and South America. In addition, the project focused on more accurately estimating the transportation costs of vaccines shipped throughout the region.

Heier was also highlighted during Engineers Week 2008 as one of fourteen New Faces of Engineering by the National Engineers Week Foundation. In addition to her academic pursuits and the research with world-wide implications, Heier also donates time to helping young women discover engineering. She teaches workshops for Girls Researching Our World, providing middle school girls the opportunity to interact with university faculty, students, and industry partners in technological disciplines.

Continuously acknowledged for academic achievements and humanitarian efforts, Heier's latest accomplishment, receiving the Gilbreth Memorial Fellowship, only further highlights her ongoing contributions to academia and society.