Investigators
Staff
History
Milestones
Viva Moms
Viva Kids
What to Expect
Information Collected
Site Directions
Viva Celebrations
Viva in the Community

Jane Craycroft

I started working with Project Viva in June 2004. As the project manager I'm responsible for managing all aspects of the study - my job is to ensure that necessary supports are in place so Viva staff and investigators can do what they do best. I received my masters in public health from Boston University School of Public Health. My professional interests include women's health, access to care, and Medicaid health plans. My personal interests include learning to play tennis and mastering the art of knitting. Thank you to Viva moms and kids, your participation is valued greatly.

Megan

I joined the Project Viva team in the summer of 2008. I'm currently a graduate student studying public health and am interested in nutrition and maternal/child health policy. Working for Project Viva and other projects in the Department of Ambulatory Care and Prevention has been a great experience. I love meeting the participants and getting to be a part of such an important study. During my free time, I like to go to New Hampshire to go mountain biking, cycling, and play piano. I also love exploring Boston, finding fun music events, and being silly with my friends

Ellie

I joined Project Viva in August of 2007 as a research assistant and data manager. I received my degree in sociology from Bowdoin College but found my interests in the following years drifting more towards health and medicine. I'm excited to learn more about research methods and to interact with all of our children and moms while working with Viva. Outside of work I take classes and hope to go to nursing school in the future. In my free time, I enjoy cooking; reading with my cat, Sidda; exploring Boston; and being active outside.

Trish

I started working with Project Viva in February of 2005 and I spend most of my time managing the day-to-day operations of the mailed and in-person study visits. I have a master of public health degree and am currently working towards a doctorate in maternal and child health. I am particularly interested in how social factors and policy impact the health of women and their children. It is exciting to be involved with such an important study, and I really love meeting with the moms and kids who make Project Viva so great! When I am not working, I enjoy singing, cooking, and going running with my dog.

Erika

I started working with Project Viva in April of 2008 as a research assistant and phlebotomist. I really enjoy interacting with Viva moms and kids and working to help the kids feel more comfortable during the blood draw. Before joining the Project Viva team I worked as a medical assistant/phlebotomist and studied human development at Lesley University. In my spare time, I enjoy being outdoors with my two dogs, reading, and being with friends and family.

Toshi

I started working for Project Viva as a research assistant in the spring of 2007. As a research assistant I enjoy working with the Viva moms and their children as they are now coming in for the Age 7 Visit. I also enjoy how well the Project Viva staff work as a team! At home I enjoy spending time with my partner, Tobias, and daughter Anna. We love to go mountain biking, walking with our dog, and swimming in the quarries.

Ashley

I have been working for Project Viva since June 2007, and I love meeting moms and kids at the Age-7 Visit. I studied psychology at The University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and I'm planning on going back to school for nursing. I love reading and learning about psychology and health. In my free time I enjoy cooking, doing karaoke, and playing with my new kitten, Smash.

Patricia

I started working for Project Viva in May 2008 as a research assistant and phlebotomist. I enjoy working with the Viva moms and kids. In my spare time I like to spend time with my friends and family.

Sheryl Rifas-Shiman

I have a masters in public health (epidemiology and biostatistics). I've been working on Project Viva as a statistical analyst since 1997. My son Alec has been a pilot participant for all Project Viva visits! My hobby is dancing/choreography.

Karen

I began working for Project Viva in June of 2008 as a student intern giving administrative and research support to the research assistants and staff. I am currently working on my B.A. in Community Health from Brown University. In my free time I enjoy reading, playing with my dog Cosita, and being with friends and family. name

Erin

I began working with Project Viva in July 2007. As a research assistant, I look forward to the in person visits and meeting Viva moms and their Viva "babies." I received a B.A. from Colby College in Waterville, ME, with a major in biology and concentration in neuroscience. I am a self-proclaimed "neurd" (neuroscience nerd) with an interest in health care. Being originally from Fargo, North Dakota, I am enjoying the milder winters of Boston and exploring the city. Some of my interests include the outdoors, playing ice hockey, and riding horses.

Paul

I have been Dr. Gillman's assistant at Project Viva since 2005. I make sure everyone at Viva gets to meet with him if they need to by managing his calendar (he has a very busy schedule!), sending emails, and making phone calls. I also help him put together new grants so we can continue our research. When I'm away from Viva, I enjoy tennis, writing, and playing with my two dogs, Truman and Jackson, and my two cats, Bessie and Oliver.