James R. Churilla

James R. Churilla is a Professor of Lifestyle Medicine at the Brooks College of Health, University of North Florida. He serves as the Graduate Program Director for the MSH in Kinesiology and Lifestyle Medicine, with a focus on physical activity, sedentary behavior, heart failure subtypes, and cardiometabolic risk. Dr. Churilla holds multiple certifications, including ACSM-CEP, ACSM-EP, CSCS, and FACSM, and is affiliated with the American College of Sports Medicine, American Heart Association, and American College of Epidemiology.

Educational Background:

• Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology / Physical Activity Epidemiology (University of Tennessee, 2007)
• MPH in Epidemiology (Florida International University, 2003)
• M.S. in Exercise Physiology (Florida International University, 1998)
• B.S. in Physical Education (Towson State University, 1989)

Dr. Churilla’s research spans epidemiological studies on physical activity’s impact on metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and heart failure. His recent work examines associations between strength metrics and hyperinsulinemia, sedentary behavior in adults, and interventions for cardiometabolic risk reduction. He has contributed to Clinical Exercise Physiology, 6th Edition (Chapter 13: Metabolic Syndrome) and serves on the editorial board of Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders.

Scientific Awards:

• Research Citation Award (UNF, 2019)
• Outstanding Faculty Scholarship (UNF, 2019)
• Towson University Hall of Fame (2018)
• Distinguished Alumni Award (2017)
• Outstanding Graduate Teaching Award (UNF, 2017)
• Award for Research Excellence (UNF, 2009)