Biography

Dr. Odeny is an Assistant Professor of Medicine (Medical Oncology) at Washington University School of Medicine and a Visiting Research Scientist at KEMRI. Trained in medicine and public health he uses implementation science and technological innovation to widen cancer prevention, care, and trial access in underserved settings, especially across Africa. His 10-year Angaza cohort in western Kenya is building the region’s first comprehensive cancer registry, creating a foundation for clinical, policy, and research advances. Equity drives his work: as a 2023 Robert A. Winn Diversity in Clinical Trials Career Development Awardee, he is testing strategies to diversify trials and expand therapies for people with HIV-associated cancers. Genomic studies of Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus and a multisite trial of a 3D imaging tool for Kaposi sarcoma care (U01CA292765) showcase his NIH and ACS-funded projects. Odeny also mentors future leaders as Associate Director of HIGH-IRI and PI of NCI’s African Leadership Training Oncology Research (ALTOR) program.