The Institute of Sports Sciences and Medicine (ISSM) is a state-of-the-art research facility with a primary focus on advancing knowledge in the realms of health, body composition, and human performance. The ISSM is the result of a collaborative partnership between the FSU Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health and Human Sciences, FSU Athletics, College of Medicine, Nike, and our esteemed founding partner, Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic. Established in 2010, the ISSM has conducted a wide array of studies, spanning from elite athletes to clinical populations. Our research endeavors are structured around six distinct domains:

  1. Performance Nutrition
  2. Sports Science/Athletics Research
  3. Clinical Research
  4. Translational Immunology
  5. Orthopedic/Sports Medicine Research
  6. Sport Psychology

Our overarching vision is to establish ourselves as the foremost authority in human performance, nutrition, sport sciences, and sports medicine. In addition, the ISSM is deeply committed to nurturing the development of FSU students, postdoctoral fellows, and visiting scholars through laboratory experiences and internship opportunities.

Support ISSM

student kneeling on soccer field
Longevity, Health, and Performance Testing

The ISSM extends its services to the Tallahassee community, offering outreach testing programs that grant access to our state-of-the-art equipment and provide opportunities to consult with exercise physiologists, nutritionists and mental performance coaches.

Are you looking to improve athletic performance or just want see where your health stands?

The Institute of Sports Sciences & Medicine now provides a comprehensive list of tests and services to help individuals reach optimal health. The ISSM is dedicated to peak performance and optimal health for all. Our services encourage those from all walks of life to assess their health and ability to perform. Our trained team of health professionals, researchers, and students provide accurate and reliable results with a practical interpretation and application to your needs. Our program offers various tests & services to any individuals, teams, community groups. Student, military and health care professional discounts available with proof of ID.

ISSM student in lab
ISSM Lab

We have specific resources to meet the needs of our clients and research.

Our biochemistry laboratory is primarily used for measurement of blood for metabolic and hormonal changes resulting from exercise and/or nutritional interventions. Primary methods of assessment include ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and microdialysis.

medical examination room is used for some of our more in-depth methods of assessment. These include blood draws and insertion of microdialysis probes.



ISSM funding sources
  •  ALTERG Antigravity Treadmill
    ALTERG Antigravity Treadmill

    This treadmill was originally designed as a rehabilitative tool. Its unweighting technology reduces impact force by effectively lessening the runner’s weight, (down to 20% of their actual weight). The AlterG also has applications as a training tool. Runners can run longer and harder on the AlterG with reduced risk of injury. At ISSM, we are currently investigating the potential ways in which the AlterG may enhance running performance.

  • Biodex balance system
    BIODEX BALANCE SYSTEM

    The Biodex Balance System has many applications. It can be used to assess fall risk in the elderly or as rehabilitative tool for patients suffering from neuromuscular diseases such as Parkinson’s. At ISSM, one of our primary uses of this tool is for assessing concussion symptoms and recovery.

  • DEXA scanner
    DEXA

    The DEXA is at the forefront of much of our research as one of our primary focuses is body composition. It’s an extremely accurate method of assessing body composition. Using X-Ray technology, DEXA gives detailed data on total and regional body composition, as well as bone density. It is unmatched as an assessment tool for body composition as it can examine different regions (or individual body parts) for fat mass, lean mass, and bone density. DEXA can also delineate and measure different kinds of abdominal fat, such as subcutaneous and visceral.

  • BODPOD
    BODPOD

    The Bod-Pod measures body composition using the two-compartment model. It separates the body into either fat mass or fat-free mass. The Bod-Pod has become a body composition assessment tool of choice for many laboratories due to its accuracy and ease of use.

  • Veletron Cycle Ergonometers
    Veletron Cycle Ergonometers

    These state-of-the-art bicycles are extremely accurate and reliable tools for the measurement of human performance. The Veletrons feature fully adjustable frames and are capable of generating loads varying from 5 – 2000 watts. Equipped with Racermate’s unique software, riding courses from around the world can be downloaded or designed from scratch by the rider.

  • ParvoMedics Metabolic Cart
    ParvoMedics Metabolic Cart

    The metabolic cart is one of the most useful tools in any human performance laboratory. It can be used to measure a variety of parameters including: resting metabolic rate, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), and substrate utilization patterns. At ISSM, we use the metabolic cart to analyze the effects of a variety of nutritional interventions on resting and exercise metabolism.

The Team

Mike Ormsbee

Dr. Michael Ormsbee

Director, FSU Institute of Sports Sciences and Medicine

Professor and Graduate Program Director,
FSU Department of Health, Nutrition, and Food Sciences

mormsbee@fsu.edu; 850-644-2194

Kieran Paterson

Kieran Paterson, M.S., RD

Director of Operations

Director of Performance Testing & Services

kpaterson@fsu.edu; 850.645.1016

Bob Hickner

Dr. Robert Hickner

Associate Director for Clinical Research, ISSM

Linda Grizzard Owens Professor of Exercise Physiology,
FSU Department of Health, Nutrition, and Food Sciences

rhickner@fsu.edu

Kyle Smith

Dr. Kyle Smith

Assistant Director for Translational Immunology, ISSM

Assistant Professor,
FSU Department of Health, Nutrition, and Food Sciences

k.smith@fsu.edu

Bailey Victoria

Bailey Victoria

Interim Associate Director for Athletic Research, ISSM

Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach, FSU Athletics

bvictoria@fsu.edu

Emilie Miley

Dr. Emilie Miley

Assistant Director for Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Research, ISSM

Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic Research Office, Suite 400

emiley@fsu.edu

David Eccles

Dr. David Eccles

Associate Director for Sport Psychology, ISSM

Professor,
FSU Department of Educational Psychology and Learning Systems

deccles@fsu.edu

Hannah Eberhardt

Hannah Eberhardt

Student Outreach Coordinator

he24a@fsu.edu

Susanna Zorn

Susanna Zorn, M.D.

Medical Oversight, ISSM

Primary Care Sports Medicine,
Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic

Research Staff

Lauren Ormsbee

Lauren Ormsbee, M.S., ACSM-CCEP

Clinical Research Associate and Recruiter

lormsbee@fsu.edu

Mostafa Ali

Mostafa Ali

Postdoctoral Scholar

Josh Murry

Josh Murry, M.S.

Lead Exercise Research Coordinator

jim18e@fsu.edu

FSU Anne's College Affiliates

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Other FSU & External Affiliates

Meredith McQuerry

Dr. Meredith McQuerry

Carol E. Avery Associate Professor

FSU Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship

Scott Pickett

Scott M. Pickett, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

FSU College of Medicine

Scott Trulock

Scott Trulock

Director of Sports Medicine

FSU Athletics

Chris Bach

Chris Bach, Ph.D.

Director of Performance Science

Jacksonville Jaguars

Cheri Mah

Cheri Mah, M.D., MS

Sleep Physician, Sleep and Performance Advisor

Independent sports professional

Andrew McKune

Andrew McKune, Ph.D, CSCS

Associate Professor, Strength and Conditioning Sciences

University of Canberra (AU)

Phillip Worts

Phillip Worts, Ph.D., LAT, ATC, CSCS

Clinical Research Director

Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic

Doctoral & Master's Students

Doctoral Students

Brett Cross

Doctoral Student

Brett is a doctoral student in the Exercise Physiology program working under the mentorship of Dr. Michael Ormsbee. Brett earned a B.S. degree in Rehabilitation Sciences and a M.S. degree in Sports Medicine from Georgia Southern University – Armstrong, where he conducted clinical and applied research investigating the effects of physical activity, sleep, and supplementation on measures of cardiovascular and autonomic health. After completion of his Ph.D., Brett plans to pursue post-doctoral training and a research career in academia to study the role of exercise and recovery-based indices on health and performance. His research interests include cardioautonomic indices of exercise recovery; cardiopulmonary adaptations to exercise; and performance optimization in athletic populations

Tim Griest

Doctoral Student

Tim is a doctoral student in Exercise Physiology working under the mentorship of Dr. Michael Ormsbee. He completed his bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology at McDaniel College and his Master’s degree in Exercise Physiology at James Madison University. His research interests include skeletal muscle physiology, sports nutrition and supplementation, and the acute effects and chronic adaptations to resistance training. In his free time, Tim loves to eat and work out, and he is a huge sports fan. During his time at ISSM, Tim has enjoyed the opportunity to work with a variety of populations and collaborate with various labs around campus. After completion of his PhD, Tim plans on pursuing a career in academia.

Master's Students

Hannah Eberhardt

Master’s Student & Student Outreach Coordinator

Ph.D. Graduates

Ph.D. Graduates

Liliana Renteria-Laskin (2024)

  • Postdoctoral Researcher, Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory
  • Ph.D. Dissertation: Betaine Improves Chronic Physiological Stress and Acute Thermoregulatory Outcomes During a Live Burn Scenario in Firefighters.

Shiloah (Fuller) Kviatkvosky (2022)

  • Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
  • Ph.D. Dissertation: The Impact of Collagen Peptide Supplementation on Pain, Function, and Markers of Bone and Connective Tissue Turnover in Active Adults.

Chester Sokolowski (2022)

  • Owner, Science of Sculpture
  • Ph.D. Dissertation: The Relationship Among Binge Drinking, Musculoskeletal Health, Physical Performance, and Cognitive Wellness in Young Adult Females.

Tristan Ragland (2021)

  • Assistant Professor, Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation at Pittsburg State University
  • Ph.D. Dissertation: Lipolytic, Hormonal, and Muscle Quality Differences of Female Endurance Athletes with Higher vs. Lower Body Fat.

Brandon Willingham (2021)

  • Assistant Professor of Kinesiology, Conway Medical Center College of Health and Human Performance at Coastal Carolina University
  • Ph.D. Dissertation: The effects of pre-loaded betaine supplementation on fluid balance and thermoregulation in the heat.

Patrick Saracino (2020)

  • Assistant Professor, College of Education, Human Performance, and Health at the University of South Carolina Upstate
  • Ph.D. Dissertation: The effect of pre-sleep milk- or plant-based protein combination consumption on muscle recovery and metabolism following damaging eccentric exercise in middle-aged men.

Brittany Allman-Tucker (2018)

  • Assistant Professor of Exercise Science, University of Central Arkansas
  • Ph.D. Dissertation: Resistance training and the regulation of fat metabolism in obese women.

Lt. Col. Daniel A. “Dan” Baur (2017)

  • Assistant Professor of Human Performance and Wellness, Virginia Military Institute
  • Ph.D. Dissertation: The effects of modified carbohydrates on adipose tissue lipolysis, metabolism, and insulin in athletes and non-athletes.

Vince Kreipke (2016)

  • Owner, Kreipke Research and Consulting
  • Ph.D. Dissertation: Effects of STS supplementation and concurrent training on body composition, performance, and health in collegiate-aged men.

Ann Brown (2016)

  • Associate Professor of Exercise Science & Health, Department of Movement Sciences, University of Idaho
  • Ph.D. Dissertation: The effect of dietary protein consumption on body composition and performance capabilities in female collegiate ballet dancers.

Chris Bach (2016)

  • Director of Performance Science, Jacksonville Jaguars
  • Ph.D. Dissertation: Effects of cold ambient temperature on substrate metabolism and performance.

Amber Kinsey (2015)

  • Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Preventive Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham
  • Ph.D. Dissertation: The effect of nighttime protein intake on fat metabolism in overweight and obese men.
Get in Touch

Address: 1104 Spirit Way, Suite 140, Tallahassee, FL 32306-1493

Phone: 850.645.1016

Navigate to ISSM Parking

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