Vivian Zhai is a doctoral student at the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. Her research centers on promoting individual, group, and community well-being through strategic communication. She is particularly interested in understanding how to design effective messages and campaigns that encourage prosocial behaviors such as volunteering, charitable giving, and civic engagement. Grounded in a social cognitive approach, her work aims to support underrepresented and underserved populations.

Prior to joining Annenberg, Zhai graduated with Distinction from the University of Wisconsin Madison, where she received a BA in Communication Arts and Sociology as well as a Certificate in Digital Studies.