Tomi Akinyemiju

Dr. Akinyemiju is a Professor of Population Health Sciences, Global Health and Ob/Gyn with expertise in cancer epidemiology, cancer biology, global health, and health disparities.  Her research expertise and accomplishments have focused on articulating and innovating conceptual and empirical approaches for cancer health disparities research, specifically, disentangling the role of race as a social construct and race-associated biological mechanisms that contribute to cancer disparities. Dr. Akinyemiju also serves as the Vice-Chair for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Department of Population Health Sciences, and Associate Director for Community Outreach, Engagement, and Equity at the Duke Cancer Institute. Dr. Akinyemiju’s leadership centers around building cross-enterprise, multi-stakeholder coalitions to advance health equity, promote inclusion and diversity, and mentor the next generation of diverse, talented clinical research scholars. Dr. Akinyemiju has received numerous awards, including the 2023 Michelle Winn Inclusive Excellence Award

Dr. Akinyemiju has published over 150 peer-reviewed publications, and her research program has been continuously funded by the National Institutes of Health, Susan G. Komen and the V Foundation. She has mentored (formally and informally) at least 50 trainees and junior faculty, over 50% of whom are URM. Dr. Akinyemiju works extensively with diverse stakeholders, including community-based organizations, policy makers, providers, health system leadership, and leaders from diverse communities to develop impactful, evidence-based interventions to advance health equity