Francoise Alisha Knox Kazimierczuk
Dr. Knox-Kazimierczuk, is a staunch advocate for women’s health, working to improve birth outcomes for pregnant women and their infants through her research and community outreach. Dr. Knox-Kazimierczuk has worked supporting women on their health journeys for nearly two decades. She began supporting women initially as a registered & licensed dietitian through nutrition education and culinary classes, focused on addressing polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and improving fertility and prenatal nutrition. Her work as a clinician and her experiences with the healthcare system as Black woman led to her research interest in Black women’s health.
Dr. Knox-Kazimierczuk began her educational journey at Concordia University Chicago (formerly Concordia University River Forest) were she graduated with a double major in Exercise Science & Fitness Mangement and Psychology. After graduation Dr. Knox-Kazimierczuk returned home to St. Louis to study for here National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Exam and National Athletic Training Association Board of Certification Exam, prior to beginning her graduate degree. She completed her master’s degree in Kinesiology and Health from Illinois State University and two additional master’s degrees in dietetics and chemistry from Ball State University. She completed an interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Health Promotion with an emphasis in cultural studies from Miami University.
She continues to pursue trainings and certifications to improve her knowledge and skills. Dr. Knox-Kazimierczuk is a certified lactation consultant, prenatal and postpartum yoga teacher, and has been trained as a full spectrum doula through DONA. These trainings and certifications have become an integral component of her private practice and research.
Dr. Knox-Kazimierczuk's 20 plus years of clinical and research experience has allowed her to work with a variety of patients, chronic diseases, and deliver numerous interventions. Additionally, she has worked in rural and urban settings cultivating connections and community to ensure the voices of her study participants are centered in the work.
Dr. Knox-Kazimierczuk believes that change occurs at the individual, community, and systems level, therefore as Assistant Professor and Public Health Researcher she has focused on understanding the barriers and facilitators to positive health outcomes for women in all phases of their lives as whole people. To this end she has framed her research using Community-Based Participatory Action Research (CBPAR). Her studies aim to use her findings to develop and advocate for policy at the local and national levels through service on local, state, and national boards.
Dr. Knox-Kazimirczuk is passionate about addressing gaps in women’s health through engaging and cultivating community assets to shift narratives, policies, and resources. Dr. Knox-Kazimierczuk’s believes part this shift starts with empowering women to reclaim their agency and voice. Her goal is to provide women with the support and resources they need to assert their power and find their way along their health path.