Kimryn Rathmell
UNI 150: People you should know
A lifelong commitment to cancer research and policy
Kimryn Rathmell has dedicated her career to unraveling the complexities of cancer while shaping the future of physician-scientist training and medical leadership — a career that has taken her from the University of Northern Iowa to Washington D.C.
In 2023, the President of the United States appointed Dr. Rathmell as the 17th director of the National Cancer Institute, where she worked to advance cancer research and improve patient outcomes.
"The NCI is one of the chief health science investigative arms of the federal government," explained UNI associate professor Ira Simet at the time of the appointment. "She'll have a lot to say about the direction of research in the country as it applies to cancer."
Rathmell’s academic journey began at UNI, where she earned dual Bachelor of Science degrees in biology and chemistry in 1991.
It was clear to instructors that she was going to be highly successful right from the start.
“She was one of the best students in my biochemistry class,” said Simet. “She and her now-husband, Jeff, were kind of rivals at first, seeing who was going to get the best scores in the class,” said Simet.
Dr. Rathmell has been a vocal proponent for increased funding in kidney cancer research and has played a critical role in developing policies addressing drug shortages and conflicts of interest in scientific publishing. Her dedication has earned her numerous accolades, including the Kidney Cancer Association’s highest honor, the Eugene P. Schonfeld Award, in 2019 — making her the first woman to receive this distinction. More recently, on March 8, 2025, she was awarded the American Cancer Society’s Medal of Honor, the organization’s most prestigious recognition. 
Rathmell's contributions to medical science have been widely recognized. With more than 200 peer-reviewed publications, books and chapters to her name, Rathmell remains a sought-after speaker on topics ranging from cancer metabolism and kidney cancer biology to academic leadership and career development for physician-scientists, including a presentation at UNI's Leland Wilson Lecture Series in 2015.
"She gave a riveting talk about how research on cancer and diseases like it have grown in the past years," recalled Simet. "She was one of the pioneers of taking statistical data to figure out if there were patterns we could take advantage of in targeting cancer therapies."
Dr. Rathmell’s insights and advocacy continue to shape the landscape of oncology research and medical education.
Celebrate 150 years of the University of Northern Iowa by nominating individuals who have made a significant impact on our campus, community and beyond.
