Faculty & Scientific Staff

Dr. Griffin is a board-certified pediatric endocrinologist and internationally recognized leader in identifying people at risk for type 1 diabetes (T1D). His work is driven by a deep commitment to improving the lives of people and families affected by the disease. With nearly two decades of experience in clinical research, he brings a patient-centered perspective to advancing earlier detection, prevention and treatment.

Since 2006, Dr. Griffin has led clinical trials focused on T1D. During 11 years at Sanford Health in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, he built and led a research program that enrolled participants across the lifespan and at every stage of T1D, from early risk through established disease. A hallmark of this work has been the PLEDGE study, which integrates antibody-based screening for T1D into routine pediatric care visits across Sanford Health’s network of clinics. This innovative approach has informed best practices for identifying risk earlier and expanding access to screening beyond traditional research settings.

In 2024, he joined Benaroya Research Institute, where he serves as codirector of the Pacific Northwest Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet Clinical Center with Sandra Lord, MD. In this role, he helps lead local and national efforts to accelerate the development of therapies that can delay or prevent T1D. He also serves as codirector of the TrialNet Hub alongside Carla Greenbaum, MD, supporting recruitment, operations and communication across the international TrialNet network.