Katy Kozhimannil

Katy Backes Kozhimannil, Ph.D., is a Professor at the Division of Health Policy and Management in the University of Minnesota School of Public Health. She co-directs the Rural Health Research Center and Rural Health Program at the university, focusing on health policy that affects healthcare delivery during critical life stages like pregnancy and childbirth. She combines research with policy advocacy to advance rural health, maternal and child health, and racial equity.

• Education: PhD in Health Policy (Harvard, 2009), MPA in Policy and Administration (Princeton, 2003), BA in Spanish and International Relations (University of Minnesota, 1999)
• Expertise: Health care policy, maternal and child health, rural health, health care quality, policy evaluation

Kozhimannil’s research examines how policies impact healthcare access, quality, and outcomes in rural communities, particularly during pregnancy and postpartum. Her work addresses structural racism, geographic disparities, and social determinants of health, with published articles in journals like Science, JAMA, and Health Affairs. She has informed legislative changes in nine states and federal policies to improve maternal health access and reduce inequities.

Her teaching emphasizes practical skills for health policy analysis, including legislative communication, policy brief writing, and advocacy. Students have engaged directly with legislators, influencing policy debates and implementation. Kozhimannil’s scientific awards include:

• Heinz Award for Public Policy (2020)
• Alice S. Hersh New Investigator Award (2016)
• Labelle Lectureship in Health Services Research (2015)
• Health Affairs Top 15 Most-Read Articles (2013)
• Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health (2013)

She collaborates with colleagues like Jessica Liddell and Stephanie Leonard on rural maternity care, Hailey Baker on Indigenous maternal health, and Jhumka Gupta on domestic violence research. Her work has been cited extensively and covered by major media outlets including the New York Times and Washington Post.