[2] Heath graduated with a degree in Chemistry in 1984 from Baylor University in Texas, where he was an active member of the NoZe Brotherhood.
He founded the California NanoSystems Institute in 2000 and served as its Director until moving to become the Elizabeth W. Gilloon Professor of Chemistry at Caltech.
Heath's academic work has focused on quantum phase transitions and developed architectures, devices, and circuits for molecular electronics.
More recently, his work has moved towards applying expertise in nanoscale and molecular systems to addressing problems in cancer and infectious diseases.
[8] As of 2011, Heath's research has split into one area devoted to solid-state quantum physics, materials science, and surface science, with a slight focus on energy conversion and another working on applying synthetic chemistry and a systems perspective to fundamental biology and translational medicine - with a clear focus on oncology.