Dr. Lisa Griffiths is an Associate Clinical Professor in Exercise Physiology and currently serves as the Chair of the Department of Health, Nutrition, and Food Sciences at Florida State University. She joined FSU in 2019 and was appointed Chair in 2023. Dr. Griffiths holds a Ph.D. in Sport Science Research (Applied Physiology) from Brunel University London and an M.S. in Exercise and Sport Science from Colorado State University. With over 20 years of experience in academia, she has previously served as an Associate Professor at the University of Worcester and as an Assistant Professor at Buckinghamshire New University, both in the UK.
At the University of Worcester, Dr. Griffiths played a pivotal role in developing the Supporting Health and Promoting Exercise (SHAPE) Program. Funded by The Health Foundation, this initiative designed and implemented a wellbeing and exercise program for young people with early psychosis. The program demonstrated significant positive impacts on cardiometabolic health markers and lifestyle behaviors and has since been integrated into standard care in numerous regional NHS primary care trusts. The SHAPE program’s innovation and clinical effectiveness were further recognized with multiple industry award nominations.
Dr. Griffiths' contributions to teaching and service at FSU have been acknowledged through several awards, including the Faculty Excellence Award, the Outstanding Teaching in the Major Award (Undergraduate), and the John E. and Mary L. Champion Endowed Fund for Undergraduate Teaching Excellence. She also received the Deputy Vice Chancellor Excellence in Teaching Award from the University of Worcester.
Certified as both an ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist and an NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach, Dr. Griffiths has extensive professional experience. She has worked as an Exercise Physiologist at Prudential Financial in New Jersey and Morgan Stanley in New York City, where she managed corporate fitness programs and conducted health assessments. Additionally, her consultancy work includes overseeing annual fitness testing for the Irish Exiles Rugby in London, providing testing services to Olympic heavyweight rowers with British Rowing, and managing fitness assessments for firefighters across various UK fire services.