Katy Backes Kozhimannil, PhD, MPA is a Distinguished McKnight University Professor in the Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota School of Public Health. She is Director of the University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center and University of Minnesota Rural Health Program. She also serves as Senior Advisor to the Founding Director at the Center for Antiracism Research for Health Equity (CARHE).  

Dr. Kozhimannil conducts research to inform health policy that impacts critical times in the lifecourse, including pregnancy and childbirth. The goal of her work is to contribute to the evidence base for clinical and policy strategies to advance racial, gender, and geographic equity. 

Dr. Kozhimannil’s research, published in journals such as Science, the New England Journal of Medicine, JAMA, and Health Affairs, have been widely cited.  Media coverage of her research, including stories by the New York Times, Washington Post, and National Public Radio, has generated dialogue and policy action at local, state, and national levels. Dr. Kozhimannil teaches courses that build skills for engagement in the policy process, and works extensively with state and federal policy makers on efforts to improve the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities.