Born November 21, 1890 in Frederick, Md., Osborne Heard was a modeler for the Department of Embryology at the Carnegie Institute of Washington from 1913-1956. In 1913, at the age of 23, Heard joined the department before it was officially formed. As a modeler, his goal was to make embryological reconstructions.

Heard studied both sculpture and pattern making, as a graduate at the Maryland Institute of Art and Design. He began his career as a patternmaker working for Detrick and Harvey Machine Company.

During his time with the Department of Embryology, Heard made several improvements in the technology of reconstructions and in the development of the photo micrographic apparatus. He aided Dr. Streeter in the written specifications for an apparatus incorporating the principle of petrographic microscope, which Bausch and Lomb built. Having no formal education in embryology, Heard used the microscope as his teacher. By examining each section thoroughly under the microscope, Heard quickly learned the topographical arrangement of organs and systems and became quite confident in his familiarity with the appearance of the sections. Dr. Ebert spoke of Heard in the following manner; "He brought to his tasks not only superb technical ability, but scientific accuracy and sound judgment". His dedication to the important work of the department is represented in the 800 plus embryological reconstructions and ten scientific publications completed during his career.