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. As a researcher, Vivian has explored how social networking platforms have contributed to the emergence of collective action groups centered around shared health concerns. She has also focused her attention on how social media, other web-based platforms, and mobile devices can play a role in personal health management and as valuable new sources of health information. Vivian’s current interests include emerging trends in the areas of probabilistic medicine, the quantified self, and new medical technologies.

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, and has also worked in the health care field, primarily in pediatrics. She 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.