Obselidia -- and she becomes fascinated by this guy who's quite unlike anyone she's ever met. He doesn't use a computer, he doesn't own a car, and he seems so earnest and sincere. When Sophie learns that George is planning a trip out to Death Valley, via public transport, in order to interview a maverick scientist, Lewis Fordham, who is predicting the eminent end of the world, she steps in and insists that she drive him.Studies (CES) while she was completing her Ph.D. at the University of Maryland. She joined CES full time in 1998 after completion of her studies. In 2008, she became the CES Director of Research. She has served as the Chief Economist of the U.S. Census Bureau and Chief of the Center for Economic Studies (CES) since 2011.

Married to John Haltiwanger.

Work
As Chief Economist of the U.S. Census Bureau, Foster is “responsible for identifying gaps in our understanding of the dynamic and complex U.S. economy and then finding ways to fill these gaps by working with our talented staff and outside experts in researching and developing new data products and improving and enhancing existing data production.”

In her research, Foster uses Census microdata to research firm dynamics, productivity, and management practices.