Dr. Marc Lewis currently serves as the associate director of applied health and performance science. In his current role, he provides support for Penn State athletics by assisting in the development of student-athlete performance, health, and well-being through collaboration between departments, integration of monitoring and decision-making systems, and high-performance education for best practices in sport performance. In addition, he directs research and development initiatives within the department. Prior to Penn State, Lewis was an assistant professor of exercise physiology at Valdosta State University.
Prior to his academic appointment, Lewis served as the director of sport science/assistant director of strength and conditioning for the Virginia Tech football program. While at Virginia Tech, he completed his Ph.D. in physiology and metabolism within the department of human nutrition, foods, and exercise. Broadly, Dr. Lewis’ research examines the quantification of training load and the assessment of performance-related measures with the intent of enhancing athletic performance. Dr. Lewis actively publishes and presents his research, while being professionally engaged with the National Strength and Conditioning Association and the American College of Sports Medicine.
While at Virginia Tech, Dr. Lewis managed a comprehensive athlete monitoring program using tools such as integrated microtechnology units (global positioning system, triaxial accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer embedded units), heart rate monitors, and force plate testing systems. These tools allowed for the collection of data during training and practice. Working in conjunction with sports medicine and strength and conditioning, these data were used to monitor the training and rehabilitative processes, while assessing a variety of athletic performance parameters. Furthermore, Lewis served as a strength and conditioning coach supporting Coach Ben Hilgart and his staff in the development and implementation of their annual training program.
Prior to his appointment as the director of sport science/assistant director of strength and conditioning, Dr. Lewis served as an applied sports science fellow for Virginia Tech athletics. While at Virginia Tech, Lewis worked in the department of human nutrition, foods, and exercise as a graduate research and teaching assistant and served as a volunteer strength and conditioning coach with Virginia Tech women’s basketball program under the direction of senior director for strength and conditioning, Greg Werner.
Dr. Lewis completed his undergraduate degree in exercise science at Wake Forest University where he served as research assistant in the department of health and exercise science. Prior to starting his collegiate education, Lewis served in the U.S. Army as an Airborne Infantryman where he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Professional Certifications and Affiliations
United States Weightlifting Sports Performance Coach, Level 1 – United States Weightlifting
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with Distinction (CSCS, *D) – National Strength and Conditioning Association
Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator with Distinction (TSAC-F, *D) – National Strength and Conditioning Association
