BACKGROUND
Sophia Nimphius, PhD, GAICD, is the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sport) and Professor of Human Performance at Edith Cowan University. Her past industry roles include Sports Science Manager for then named Hurley Surfing Australia High Performance Centre, High Performance Women’s Sport Science Coordinator for Softball Australia, and High Performance Manager for Softball Western Australia. She brings to the table over two decades of experience working, influencing, and leading in sport. Sophia is an accredited High Performance Manager & Sports Scientist (Exercise and Sports Science Australia) and Strength and Conditioning Coach (Australian Strength and Conditioning Association and National Strength and Conditioning Association).
EDUCATION
Dr. Nimphius completed her PhD in Sports Science in collaboration with the Western Australian Institute of Sport, completed a Masters in Exercise Science, and completed a Bachelor of Science (Biology) and Bachelor of Science (Sports Management) in the United States while competing as a multi-sport NCAA scholarship athlete.
EXPERTISE
An active researcher and significant contributor to both academic and practitioner resources, Dr. Nimphius focuses on athlete performance, athlete health, and the role of sport as a vehicle for change including a career-long commitment within women’s sport. Her research encompasses several facets of human performance, with expertise in strength and conditioning, biomechanics, and motor behaviour. In addition, she explores broader socioecological approaches to understanding factors enhancing athlete performance, health, sport performance, and ethical sport governance. Her research publications and book chapters have covered topics from athlete performance to bone stress injuries in athletes.