Heather Corcoran

Heather Corcoran is the Halsey C. Ives Professor of Art at Washington University in St. Louis, serving as a faculty fellow in the Office of the Provost. Previously, she directed the College of Art (2014–2019) and acted as Interim Dean of University College (2019–2021). Her work bridges graphic design, data visualization, and literary analysis, focusing on themes of place, belonging, and human connection through visual narratives.

Education: BA in English (Wesleyan University) and MFA in Graphic Design (Yale University).

Research explores intersections of text, data, and visual storytelling. Notable projects include First Deployment (AIGA Dialogue, 2024), exhibitions at Emily Carr University, Northeastern University, and COCA, and collaborations with the NIH and NSF on data accessibility initiatives. Her work has been recognized by Communication Arts, Print magazine, and AIGA St. Louis.

Teaching focuses on visualizing diverse voices in literature, creative non-fiction design, and data-driven storytelling. Grants include projects funded by the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation.