Upon joining IFTF in 2007, Vivian quickly became the voice of the Health Horizons Program in the blogosphere, writing about trends in the global health economy and other interesting health-related news. As a researcher, Vivian has explored how social networking platforms have contributed to the emergence of collective action groups centered around shared health concerns. Other forms of social media and online tools have also captured her attention for their role in personal health management and as valuable new sources of health information.

Together with Miriam Lueck, Vivian received an inaugural IFTF Amara Fund grant for a pro-bono project that will incorporate forecasting skills in a food system and nutrition curriculum for middle and high school students in East Palo Alto. This project is an extension of her work examining the intersection of food, health, and sustainability across various market sectors.

Vivian brings to the Health Horizons Program extensive experience as a researcher and editor. She has also worked in the health care field, primarily in pediatrics. Her interests in health care are focused on the provision of services to children, both regionally and globally, and in terms of well-child, acute care and chronic care. She is also an advocate for having mental health issues recognized and addressed more openly in our health care system.

Vivian graduated from Boston University with a BS in broadcasting & film and a BA in history. She also has a JD from the University of California at Berkeley School of Law (Boalt Hall), where she was Managing Editor of the California Law Review.