Bruce Griffis

Bruce Griffis is an Assistant Professor of Biology in the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Kentucky State University (KSU), where he has been a faculty member since Fall 2000 and was promoted to Assistant Professor in Fall 2004. He is based in Carver Hall, Suite 208B, and serves as the Biology Education Advisor, guiding students pursuing careers in high school science teaching.

Education:

• Bachelor of Arts (with High Honors) in Biology and English, Indiana University (1995)
• Master of Science in Biology, University of Kentucky (2004)

His research and academic interests center on muscle physiology, particularly the regulation of contractile protein expression influenced by electrical stimulation and genetic programming, using mammalian cell culture and crayfish models. He is also deeply engaged in biology education, curriculum development, and science pedagogy, especially through his teaching of EDU 413: Methods of Teaching High School Science. His work extends into broader science education reform, including K–12 partnerships and state-level standards development.

Bruce Griffis has received recognition for his academic contributions, including the BEACON Fellowship during graduate studies and an Honorable Mention for Best Student Presentation at the 1999 Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology meeting.

He is actively involved in academic service, having served on the KSU Faculty Senate and multiple on-campus and statewide committees. Notably, he participated in Mathematics and Science Partnership initiatives and was a member of the statewide team that reviewed the Next Generation Science Standards for Kentucky, collaborating with educators across levels and institutions. He advises biology education students and contributes to teacher preparation programs at KSU.

Outside of his academic duties, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching sports, reading, and outdoor activities.