Griffiths has served as interim chair of the Department of Health, Nutrition, and Food Sciences (HNFS) since 2022 and joined the department’s faculty in 2019. The department currently consists of approximately 1,126 students and 32 faculty.
Damon Andrew, dean of the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, noted that Griffiths received overwhelming support from HNFS faculty in her confirmation vote.
“We are very appreciative of the exceptional interim leadership Lisa has provided to the HNFS department, especially through our recent college expansion,” said Andrew. “As a great listener and leader, her collaborative approach has resonated with both students and faculty alike. I am confident in her forward-thinking vision for the department as we continue to support our students, faculty and their research, and enhance our outstanding programs dedicated to maximizing human potential.”
As specialized teaching faculty at the college, Griffiths has taught various undergraduate and graduate courses including advanced exercise physiology, exercise and disease, anatomy and physiology, strength and conditioning, research methods, and more, while providing interim leadership over the department.
“I’d like to extend my sincere thank you to HNFS faculty, staff, and our college’s leadership team for the opportunity to serve as chair. I’m eager and enthusiastic about contributing to the continued growth of our college,” said Griffiths. “I am especially committed to strategically positioning our department for success, aligning our efforts with the university's overarching goal of attaining Association of American Universities (AAU) membership and helping with FSU’s upward climb in the rankings."
HNFS consists of innovative programs spanning athletic training, dietetics, exercise physiology, food science and nutrition science. Its programs prepare students to analyze physical performance, health and wellness through a foundation in scientific research, technical knowledge and practical skill-building.
The latest National Academy of Kinesiology (NAK) rankings placed FSU’s doctoral studies program in kinesiology in the Top 3 nationally. The program was previously ranked No. 29.
Prior to her appointment at FSU, Griffiths served as an associate professor of sport and exercise science at the University of Worcester in the UK from 2011 to 2019 where she led community health and wellness initiatives, collaborated with multidisciplinary research teams, spearheaded curriculum redesigns and taught courses in exercise physiology, exercise training and prescription, and more.
Griffiths earned her Ph.D. in applied physiology from Brunel University London. She holds a master’s degree from Colorado State University and a bachelor’s from Rowan University.
Griffiths previously held faculty and research positions at Buckinghamshire New University and Brunel University in the UK from 2002 to 2011. Her research is primarily focused on health assessments of people at high risk for cardiometabolic issues and the role of exercise and lifestyle interventions to improve long-term health outcomes.
She is a certified exercise physiologist through the American College of Sports Medicine. She is also a fellow of the Higher Education Academy in the UK and holds a strength and conditioning coaching certification from the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
