Mmadili N. Ilozumba, Ph.D., MSPH, CPH

Professional Background

Mmadili Ilozumba, PhD, is a Molecular Cancer Epidemiologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Population Health at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. She completed her postdoctoral fellowship at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, where she conducted innovative research on colorectal cancer progression and survivorship outcomes.

• BS, Microbiology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria
• MSPH, Epidemiology, University of South Florida
• PhD, Epidemiology, University of Florida
• Post Doctoral Fellowship, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah

Research

Overview

Dr. Ilozumba’s research focuses on understanding how molecular, genetic, and behavioral (lifestyle) factors influence breast and colorectal cancer risk, progression, and survivorship. Her work integrates molecular cancer epidemiology, metabolism, obesity and body composition, energy balance (diet and physical activity), and the gut microbiome to elucidate the biological mechanisms underlying cancer risk and clinical outcomes, including cancer cachexia, treatment response, recurrence and survival.
I am particularly interested in identifying modifiable molecular and metabolic pathways influenced by lifestyle factors such as obesity, diet, and physical activity. My goal is to translate these findings into precision biomarker discovery, prevention, and lifestyle intervention strategies that reduce cancer risk, improve treatment outcomes, and enhance cancer survivorship.