Victor Strecher

Professor Victor Strecher is a leading figure in Health Behavior and Health Equity at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. With a career spanning over 25 years, he has pioneered digital health communications through the Center for Health Communications Research (CHCR) and founded successful ventures like HealthMedia (acquired by Johnson & Johnson) and Kumanu, focusing on mental/emotional wellbeing. His NIH-funded research exceeds $45 million in grants.

• PhD in Health Behavior & Health Education (University of Michigan, 1983)
• MPH in Health Behavior & Health Education (University of Michigan, 1980)
• BS in Lyman Briggs School of Science and Math (Michigan State University, 1977)

Strecher's research integrates behavioral science, neuroscience, and epidemiology to study life purpose, digital health interventions, and social determinants of health. His work bridges philosophy and science, exploring how purpose-driven living impacts health outcomes through self-regulation and emotional resilience.

Recent publications focus on neural responses during health decisions, self-affirmation techniques, and preventive health service utilization. These studies highlight his expertise in digital behavior change, wellbeing neuroscience, and health equity interventions.

• University of Michigan Distinguished Innovator Award (2010)
• Donald A. Dunstan Foundation Thinker in Residence (2017)
• Recognized for TedMed presentation on digital behavior change

As principal investigator on $45M+ NIH grants, Strecher developed innovative health communication frameworks. His educational initiatives include the cross-listed undergraduate course 'On Purpose: Designing and Living a Big Life' and 'Behavioral and Social Science Foundations in Public Health', reaching over 100,000 students globally through his free online course 'Finding Purpose and Meaning in Life'.

He founded the Center for Health Communications Research and co-created the Purposeful and Resourceful applications at Kumanu, advancing human flourishing through advanced predictive modeling and behavioral neuroscience.