Victor J. Strecher

Professor and Behavioral Scientist, University of Michigan School of Public Health


Vic Strecher is a behavioral scientist, professor, and Director of Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship at the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health. He is also founder and CEO of Kumanu, an app that fuses AI and machine learning, the latest behavior-changing and habit-forming models, and real-time predictive decision support to help people and organizations find meaning in work and purpose in life.  In 1995, Strecher founded the University of Michigan Center for Health Communications Research (www.chcr.umich.edu), a pioneering organization in the research of digitally-tailored health communications. In 1998, he founded HealthMedia Inc., a digital health coaching company that was purchased in 2008 by Johnson & Johnson. His latest research and books are related to the importance of developing and maintaining a strong purpose in life. His most recent book, Life on Purpose: How Living for What Matters Most Changes Everything (HarperOne), examines the science and philosophy of purpose in life and ways to develop and align with one’s purpose. His book On Purpose: Lessons in Life and Health From the Frog, the Dung Beetle, and Julia (Dungbeetle Press), is written for the lay public with a professional comic illustrator as a graphic novel and is accompanied by a free iOS app, a website and smartphone and web apps.