Pre-Professional Programs Team
Pre-professional programs
Jessica is a 2002 magna cum laude graduate of Eastern Michigan University with a degree in Public Law & Government. She earned her Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from The University of Toledo College of Law in 2005.
Mrs. Mehl has worked in higher education throughout her career. She worked in Career Services and Professional Development from 2005- 2010 and served as the Assistant Dean of Law Admissions at The University of Toledo from 2010 through 2021. She continued her work in law admissions for Northeastern University School of Law from 2021- 2026 where she specialized in application review and prospective student recruitment.
Jessica has lived in the Bowling Green area for over a decade with her husband and two daughters. Jessica has been involved with the Wood County Juvenile Court as a Court Appointed Special Advocate and has served as a member of the Otsego Local Schools Board of Education.
Pre-law faculty associate
Dr. Birnbaum graduated summa cum laude from Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor of Arts in 1976. She received her Juris Doctorate in 1979 from the University of Cincinnati College of Law where she was a member of the University of Cincinnati Law Review. She was in private practice in Toledo, Ohio and a partner with the law firm of Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick from 1979 to 1991 and with Garan Lucow Miller in Ann Arbor, Michigan from 2001 to 2009.
Dr. Birnbaum was a Clinical Assistant Professor of Law at The University of Michigan Law School where she taught in the Legal Skills/Legal Practice and LL.M. programs. She has taught Business Law and Introduction to Law courses at Bowling Green, and numerous other legal courses, and is the recipient of several teaching awards.
Pre-health faculty associates
Dr. Steven Chung is a teaching professor of chemistry and pre health advisor at Bowling Green State University. He received a Bachelor of Science degree at Harvey Mudd College in California and a Doctor of Philosophy degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he studied the reactivity of organic molecules bound to platinum and rhenium. He then did postdoctoral research at Iowa State University where he studied the catalytic conversation of soybean oil into drying oils. He has taught organic chemistry courses since 2000 and at Bowling Green State University since 2007.
Dr. Chung serves as an academic advisor in the chemistry department and is the faculty advisor of the student organization MAPS: Minority Association of Premedical Students. He also serves as the Director of the Northwest Ohio Regional Science Olympiad held at BGSU and is an avid follower of academic competitions such as BGSU's Brain Game. Dr. Chung lives in Bowling Green with his wife and three daughters who have a variety of interests including soccer, track, clarinet, guitar, trombone, piano, creative writing, drama, quiz bowl, and making PowerPoint presentations.
Amy Wagner is both a Lecturer and Pre-Health faculty mentor for the Biological Sciences. She received both her Bachelor of Science and Masters of Science at BGSU, studying Molecular Biology and Protein Biochemistry. She has over 20 years of experience teaching both Biology and Anatomy and Physiology at colleges like Cuyahoga Community College, Owens, Lourdes, BGSU Firelands, and BGSU. She has been in the BGSU Biology Department since 2010, and has served on numerous committees for both the Biological Sciences and the Arts and Science College.
Along with teaching she has numerous certifications in both health and fitness. She has been a personal trainer and instructor for 17 years, and enjoys all aspects of health and fitness. In her free time when she’s not teaching, she enjoys reading, mountain biking, and traveling.
Dentistry
Mara is a third year student pursuing a major in Biology with a minor in Chemistry on the Pre-Dentistry track. She currently serves as the Co-Vice President of Delta Delta Sigma (DDS) Pre-Dential club and a member of the Letters of Love club at BGSU.
Outside the classroom, Mara obtained her Dental Assistant certification through a ten week program and has served as a Dental Assistant for general dentistry and endodontic offices.
She is also a volunteer at the local Humane Society and Habitat for Humanity in the Bowling Green community.
As an ambassador, Mara is excited to share her experiences and help other undergraduates students navigate a pathway to succeed in their academic and career goals.
Sophie is a junior, majoring in Applied Health Science, on the pre-dental track. Sophie is a member of the Honor's College, on the leadership board for the student organization, Honors Students of Color, and a member of the pre-dental club at BGSU.
Sophie aspires to acquire her own dental practice. During the summer, she works as a registered dental assistant (RDA) at an endodontics office near her hometown in Cleveland, Ohio. She also enjoys volunteering at Medworks + Medwish free dental clinic which is held during fall every year.
When she isn't working or studying, Sophie enjoys reading and completing puzzles, going on hikes, attending concerts, or spending time with friends at her local coffee shop.
Grace is a junior pursuing a major in Biology with a minor in Chemistry on the pre-dental track. She is involved in many student organizations, including the Pre-Dental Student club and the president of the American Medical Women's Association (AMWA).
Her passion for giving back to the community, challenging herself, and building connections with others has helped her gain experience to prepare for her career in dentistry. She is currently conducting undergraduate research, chairside assisting as an intern at a local dentist office.
Grace plans to take a gap year after graduation to pursue her goals of studing abroad, gaining more experience working in a dental office, and continue to build her application to attend The Ohio State University College of Dentistry.
She is thrilled to help undergraduate students navigate their path to graduate school by sharing her knowledge, resources, and experiences at BGSU!
Outside of the classroom, Grace enjoys working out, reading, and crafting with friends!
Law
Karli is a senior majoring in economics and working on requirements to graduate with honors. Her areas of academic focus include mediating conflics, strong business foundations, and political science while on the pre-law track.
As she works on law school applications, Karli is also a Resident Advisor Desk Manager at BGSU, as well as a high school youth group leader.
After graduation, Karli hopes to apply her love for helping people and strong analytic problem-solving to become a family or juvenile lawyer.
Cassidy is an Honors student majoring in philosophy, politics, economics and law on the pre-law track. She is currently working on her Honors project studying the relationship between rational preference formation and political ideologies. On campus, Cassidy serves as co-president of the BGSU Pre-Law Society and is a member of the BGSU Ethics Bowl team.
For the past two years, Cassidy has served as a camp counselor for BGSU's pre-law summer camp, which provides high school students with insight into the legal profession. In her free time, Cassidy enjoys connecting with her friends on campus.
Jenna is a criminal justice major on the pre-law track. She has made the Dean's list for six consecutive semesters, and was recently tapped for membership in BGSU's Fayetta Paulsen Chapter of the Mortar Board National Honor Society. Jenna is the president of the BGSU Pre-Law Society, a member of the Criminal Justice Learning Community, and an intern at Advocates for Basic Legal Equality (ABLE), a nonprofit legal agency.
Jenna believes the support and resources available through the Office of Pre-Professional programs are opportunities she could not pass up. Having a professional support system has been beneficial to her journey, and she hopes to offer the same support in her role as a Pre-Professional Ambassador.
Outside of school and work, Jenna enjoys nature walks and knitting. She is also a huge dog lover!
Medicine
Mackenzie is a fourth year student majoring in Applied Health Science, on the pre--med track. She is planning to pursue a career as a medical doctor, and has a strong passion for gastroenterology, oncology, and microbiology.
She is involved in multiple student organizations, including Her Campus, and holds a leadership position with the American Women's Medical Association. She is also a tutor at the Jerome Library Learning Commons.
Mackenzie also conducts undergraduate research in the Wagner Microbiology Lab and works as a medical scribe in Maumee, OH. She plans to pursue her doctoral degree in Ohio, with the hope of practicing medicine in a rural area.
When she is not working, Mackenzie spends her free time watching movies, lifting weights, and trying local restaurants.
Mackenzie is excited to meet younger students in her role as an ambassador and share her knowledge of all things pre-med at BGSU!
Alex is a biology major with a minor in chemistry on the pre-med track and serves as Vice President of the BGSU Pre-Med Association (BGSU PMA). His goal is to become a physician after completing medical school.
In addition to his studies, Alex works in the emergency department as a Patient Care Technician. In this role, he provides patient care in a high-acuity setting, assists medical providers, and other tasks such as specimen collection, phlebotomty, ECGs, and vital sign monitoring.
As a pre-professional ambassador, Alex hopes to help students through the sometimes rigourous and overwhelming process of preparing for medical school. He is eager to provide help, advice and insight and assist other students in accomplishing their goals!
Matthew Jurich is a fourth year student at BGSU majoring in exercise science on the pre-med track. As an undergrad at BGSU, he has had opportunities to work in several clinical settings including as a patient care technician in the ER, a medical scribe for an orthopedic spine surgeon at the Toledo Clinic, and an intern for BGSU's athletic orthopedic surgeon.
Matthew chose the pre-med track because it combined his desire for continuous learning with a commitment to service and meaningful connection with others. He is the founding member of the BGSU Pre-Medical Association and serves as the president.
Outside of the clinic, Matthew is an avid reader and houseplant connoisseur. He also regularly volunteers his time to BGSU and the local community at places like the Falcon Food Pantry, Wood County Humane Society and the BGSU biology greenhouse.
Occupational Therapy
Samantha is an excercise science major on the pre-occupational therapy track. She is a member of the Honors College and a Thompson Scholar at BGSU.
Samantha's goal is to become a pediatric occupational therapist. Inspired by the positive impact that occupational therapy has provided her brothers with autism, she hopes to help other children develop new skills, become more independent, and participate in activities that are meaningful to them.
As a pre-professional ambassador, Samantha is excited to provide guidance and share what she has learned about preparing for graduate school, completing prerequisites, gaining experience, and making the most of their time as an undergraduate. She hopes to help students feel confident about obtaining their future goals through resources and support!
Optometry
Olivia is a senior pursuing a chemistry degree with a specialization in biochemistry on the pre-optometry track. She serves as president of the Pre-Optometry Club and the American Medical Women's Association. Through these organizations, she enjoys helping other pre-professional students navigate their own paths toward careers in healthcare.
Olivia has also gained undergraduate research experience in the Peterson Lab Group within BGSU’s Department of Chemistry. Outside of the classroom, Olivia immerses herself in the field of optometry by working as an optometric technician at Premier Vision Group in Bowling Green. Since high school, she has worked as a patient care coordinator at The Vision Development Team in her hometown of North Royalton.
In her free time, she enjoys fitness classes, playing intramural volleyball and trips to Cedar Point with friends and family. As an ambassador, Olivia is excited to help other students get involved and make the most of their time at BGSU.
Physical Therapy
Anthony is a senior studying Excercise Science with a specialization in Sports Medicine. Anthony currently serves as the president of the Student Excercise Science Association (SESA) and as an Excercise is Medicine On-Campus (EIM-OC) student leader. He is also a member of the Pre-Physical Therapy Club and the Ski and Snowboarding Club.
After completing his undergraduate degree, Anthony plans to pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, followed by a sports physical therapy residency.
As a future physical therapist, Anthony hopes to help injured athletes return to their sports with confidence and the ability to perform at their best so they can continue to chase their dreams.
As a pre-professional student ambassador, Anthony looks forward to helping students explore careers options and share his knowledge about prerequisites, applications, and preparing for professional school.
Mackenzie is a senior majoring in Applied Health Science on the Pre-Physical Therapy track. She is a member of the Honors Colloge, involved in the American Medical Women's Association (AMWA), and the current President of the Pre-Physical Therapy Club.
Mackenzie knew early that she wanted to work directly with people and make a positive impact on other's lives. She chose the pre-physical therpay track because it combined her passion for movement, helping others, and anatomy.
As a student ambassador, Mackenzie is excited to make new connections, sher her experiences, and guide others through their undergraduate career and professional school processes.
Physician Assistant (Associate)
Morgan Truscott is a biology major with minors in chemistry and psychology on the pre-physician assistant track. Morgan is involved in undergraduate research in the Environmental Toxicology Lab and has worked as a Learning Assistant for several chemistry and biology courses. She is also a member of the Honors College.
Outside of BGSU, Morgan volunteers with Meals on Wheels and works as CNA in a nursing home. She is also the Vice President of the BGSU Club Tennis Team and participated in a study abroad program to Salzburg, Austria.
As a pre-professional ambassador, she hopes to provide the same support and guidance that she receivied from mentors in her time as an undergrad at BGSU. Morgan plans to join the University of Toledo PA Program in Fall 2027 and is interested in cardiothoracic surgery.
Veterinary Medicine
Amelia is a fourth year biology major with a minor in chemistry on the pre-veterinary medicine track. She hopes to attend vet school in May and eventually become an exotic veterinarian.
At BGSU, she is the coordinator of the herpetology lab and has done general husbandry for geckos and bearded dragons. She currently serves as the president of the Pre-Veterinary Medicine Association (PVMA), a pre-professional intern, and is an active member of The Friends of Wood County Humane Society Club.
This summer she studied abroad in Egypt volunteering at a working horse rescue and worked as a pre-veterinary extern in Northeast Ohio.
Amelia enjoys doing jigsaw puzzles, baking, and spending time with friends. She hopes to use her experiences to help guide other pre-professional students in choosing the path that is right for them.
Dentistry
Dr. George Hebeka hails from Warren, Michigan. He attended Wayne State University on a full merit scholarship, earning a Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences in 1995. He then attended the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, completing his Doctor of Dental surgery degree in 2000.
After completing Dental school, Dr. Hebeka completed a General Practice Residency at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. There he trained in advanced procedures including endodontics, oral surgery, trauma training, and IV sedation. Throughout his dental career he has taken extensive continuing education, including completing the Comprehensive Implant Residency program (CIRP) in Birmingham, Alabama.
Dr. Hebeka practices dentistry in Bowling Green, Ohio in the group practice Drs. Phipps, Levin, Hebeka and Associates. He is professional member of ADA, ODA, TDS, and GBSSC.
Dr. Hebeka lives in Perrysburg, Ohio with his wife and three children. He is involved in CYO Basketball coaching for his kids in Lial Catholic School. In his free time, he enjoys weightlifting, kickboxing and watching all pro and college sports associated with U of M and Detroit.
From the young age of five, Dr. Klassen had dreams of becoming a dentist. She recalls playing “dentist” in her uncle’s dental office in Kalamazoo, Michigan, with her cousins every time her family traveled across Michigan to visit her relatives. The path that led her to accomplishing this dream includes graduating Summa Cum Laude from Bowling Green State University and then earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery from Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry. While she was still attending BGSU the terrorist attacks of 911 occurred, which sparked an additional life goal of serving in the United States military. She was awarded a scholarship through the US Navy’s Health Professions Scholarship Program which allowed her to simultaneously achieve both of her life callings. Dr. Klassen served in the Navy for five years as an active duty dentist and continues to serve as a Commander in the Navy Reserves. Within the past few years, Dr. Klassen has used her dental skills and position in the healthcare field to greatly influence the communities around her. She initiated and organized a Dental Health Fair and “Toothbrush Trio Relay” race to raise funds to help build the Inclusive Playground at Carter Park in Bowling Green. She annually provides free dental care to any active duty, retired, separated, or reserve service man or woman in Northwest Ohio during a program she created called the 1% Salute. In 2016 Dr. Klassen and her husband completed a mission to run across the state of Ohio (some of it with her children on her back) to promote education and raise awareness about the joys and hardships of raising children with autism and other special needs. Dr. Klassen and her husband have two sons, Kolden and Aithan. Her interests span a broad range, from running to photography and baking to March Madness. The Klassen family loves to explore Ohio’s Metroparks and enjoy going to “up north” Michigan to get out in the woods and visit family.
Dr. T. Ryan Phipps was born in Bowling Green, Ohio. He received a Bachelor of Arts studying at Miami University, a Master’s of Science in Biology from Bowling Green State University, and a Doctorate of Dental Surgery from The Ohio State University.
He continued his dental education at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, Ohio where he completed a General Practice Residency. This program focused on advanced training in general dentistry, oral surgery, pediatric dentistry, and endodontics. Dr. Phipps also completed rotations in medicine, anesthesia, trauma care, and also completed advanced courses in pharmacology and treatment of medically comprised patients. He is certified in intravenous conscious sedation and advanced cardiac life support.
He belongs to the ADA, ODA, TDS as well as the Great Black Swamp Dental Study Club. Ryan enjoys being active in his local community. He currently resides in Bowling Green with his wife Rachel and young children Georgia and Arnie. When he does have free time, he is cheering on the Falcons and Buckeyes, playing golf, running, cycling, swimming, cooking, or hiking with his golden retriever Skip.
Law
Elizabeth was born in Bowling Green, Ohio in 1966. She moved with her family to Ithica, New York where her father attended Law School at Cornell. She moved back with her family to BG and started kindergarten. She graduated from BGHS in 1984. Elizabeth spent the summer of 1984 in Rio de Janeiro then enrolled in Miami University's 'Western College' School of Interdisciplinary Studies and received her Bachelor's degree in Philosophy.
Elizabeth's first job after college was with Greenpeace, the environmental organization. In that capacity, she traveled quite a bit all over the country and lived in Manhatten, Atlanta, Ann Arbor, Los Angeles, and DC and ended up as the Director of Greenpeace Oregon. She then ran the seven offices, in the West Coast Region. She was the Director of Development for a community radio station in Portland, Oregon and also was in development at Oregon Trout, an anadromous fish habitat preservation organization.
She had her son at age 31, got married and became a stay-at-home mother for the next twelve years. She had her daughter when she was 37 years old. As her kids grew up, she decided to re-enter the workforce by pursuing a law degree. She was encouraged by the ability to earn a juris doctorate in three years-no thesis. Elizabeth moved her family back to BG and attended The University of Toledo Law School from 2001-2014. She is now practicing law in downtown Bowling Green, by joining her father, Norman Geer, who has been in practice for over forty years. She has a typical small town practice where she does a variety of types of law, including family law (juvenile, divorce, custody, abuse and neglect) as well as criminal and civil disputes. She also writes Trusts and does Estate Planning...etc. She participates in two legal clinics, the Community clinic as well as the Senior Center to make legal services accessible regardless of income.
When she is not driving her kids around to sports practices and events, she spends her spare time bike riding, skiing, walking her dog, reading and spending time with family. Elizabeth currently serves on the Board of the BG Chamber of Commerce, the Wood County Historical Society and Museum and is Vice-President of the Wood County Bar Association.
Medicine
Dr. Suchitra Nair is a practicing family physician as well as an associate director at Mercy Health Lighthouse Way Family Medicine Residency. She previously completed her training at Mercy Health and served as chief resident.
Dr. Nair focuses on patient-centered care. Her goal is to empower her patients to be active participants in their health.
Her passions include academic medicine, hospital medicine, women’s health and pediatrics. She takes a particular interest in training the next generation of physicians who in turn touch lives for generations.
She is in charge of helping orient and teach medical students from various osteopathic and allopathic schools nearby. She also helped create the pipeline program with the BGSU Office of Pre-Professional Programs for pre-medical students with Dr. Nelson.
She was born and raised in New York City. She met her husband, Ryan, in medical school. They call Perrysburg, Ohio, home and look forward to raising their children there. They have a Goldendoodle named Brooklyn.
Dr. Anna Nelson is a practicing family physician and is starting her 10th year as a residency core faculty member, currently at Mercy Health Lighthouse Way Family Medicine Residency.
She is an active member of the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM), where she spent five years revitalizing the Collaborative for New Faculty in Family Medicine and completed the Emerging Leaders Fellowship. Dr. Nelson serves as a coach in the STFM virtual coach program, a mentor in the New Faculty Scholar program and a mentor in the BGSU Pre-Med Partnership program.
Her dedication to educating and inspiring medical learners and future academic educators earned her the Ohio Academy of Family Physicians’ (OAFP) 2021 Mentor of the Year Award and she currently serves on the OAFP Foundation Board of Trustees.
Her passions include academic medicine, integrating point of care ultrasound (POCUS) into practice, multidisciplinary collaborative approach to medicine and supporting pre-med students through the creation of a pipeline program with the BGSU Office of Pre-Professional Programs.
Dr. Jeffrey Noftz MD, PT graduated from Bowling Green State University receiving his BS in Physical Therapy in 1992. He began his physical therapy career as a specialist in the rehabilitation of injured athletes at The Medical College of Ohio (currently known as University of Toledo Medical Center). During this time, Dr. Noftz specialized in the care and rehabilitation of injured athletes. He cared for athletes at every level including weekend warriors to Olympic athletes as well as served as one the principal physical therapists for The University of Toledo football program.
After 7 years, he returned to medical school and received his Doctorate in Medicine from The Medical College of Ohio in 2001. Selected as one of only four students to enter residency training early, he began his Family Medicine residency training in 2000 and completed this in 2003. During this time, he served as the Chief Resident in his final year of training.
Following residency, Dr. Noftz started the first Primary Care Sports Medicine practice at The Medical College of Ohio serving as its director in the Department of Orthopedics/Sports Medicine. During this time, he developed one of the first sports performance programs in the area focusing on athletes recovering from ligamentous injury/surgery.
Dr. Noftz then moved to Bowling Green, Ohio. While serving the local community as a primary care physician, he continued his professional goals in physical therapy opening Jump Start Physical Therapy in 2004.
In addition to this, in 2004 he began his work caring for BGSU students at the university’s Student Health Center eventually being named the Medical Director there. While at BGSU, he also cared for injured student athletes for the department of Intercollegiate Athletics. He was selected as The Head Team Physician/Director of Athletic Medicine in 2006.
Along with a team of professionals at BGSU, Dr. Noftz developed BGSU’s Sports Performance Program in 2007. As medical director of The Sports Performance Team, he helps coordinate the care offered by multiple BGSU professionals including Nutritionists, Sports Psychologists, Exercise Science faculty, and others with the goal of improving student athletes’ ability to compete at the highest level.
Dr. Noftz is a veteran serving in the US Air Force from 1984 through 1988. He is married to his wife Renee. Their daughter Jordan will be starting her freshman year at BGSU in 2019. He and his wife enjoy watching their daughter ride horses as she competes in barrel racing events including international competition at the Youth World Championships.
Occupational Therapy
Dr. Madeline Eklund is a Northwest Ohio native. Madeline attended BGSU and received her bachelors degree in Applied Health Science in 2018. She was very involved in the Sidney A. Ribeau President’s Leadership Academy, New Student Organization, and University Activities Organization. Madeline attended Huntington University in Fort Wayne, Indiana and earned her occupational therapy doctorate in 2021. During her OTD program, she co-authored research studies, went on a mission trip to China, and completed her capstone project on animal-assisted therapy.
Madeline is an occupational therapist at Paulding County Hospital in Paulding, Ohio. She sees a variety of populations such as outpatient orthopedics, outpatient pediatrics, and inpatient rehabilitation. Madeline enjoys making each patient’s therapy experience personal.
In her spare time, Madeline enjoys game nights with her family and friends, baking, and any excuse to go shopping or out to eat.
Kelly Fullenkamp, MOT, OTR/L attended the University of Findlay, graduating with her Master of Occupational Therapy degree in 2003. She is certified through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) and is currently licensed in the State of Ohio through the Ohio OTPTAT Board.
She started her career in Wilmington, DE at St. Francis Hospital, a small community hospital which offered her experience in acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, and transitional care. Kelly also assisted at Select Specialty Hospital, a long-term acute care facility (LTAC).
Kelly returned to Ohio and spent the next four years at Miami Valley Hospital (MVH) in Dayton, a level one trauma hospital. She spent two years as a full-time acute care OTR before accepting the Acute Care Clinical Coordinator position.
Another relocation brought Kelly to Bowling Green. She resumed her OT career at a skilled nursing/extended care facility. Initially as a staff OTR and then as a Director of Rehabilitation.
Currently, Kelly is employed by Med1Care, evaluating/treating clients in the home care setting while providing a rewarding opportunity to impact client's in their own environment.
Optometry
Dr. Brujic , OD, FAAO is a 2002 graduate of the New England College of Optometry. He is a partner of Premier Vision Group, a successful four location optometric practice in Northwest Ohio. He practices full scope optometry with an emphasis on ocular disease management of the anterior segment and specialty contact lenses. He is active at all levels of organized optometry. Dr. Brujic is on the editorial board for a number of optometric publications. He has published over 400 articles and has given over 1900 lectures, both nationally and internationally on contemporary topics in eye care.
Dr. Mathias is a 2011 graduate of New Riegel High School. She attended Bowling Green State University and received a Bachelor of Science in Education in 2014. She then continued her education at The Ohio State University College of Optometry and graduated in 2018 with a Doctorate of Optometry and Master of Vision Science.
While in Optometry school she was very involved including mission trips to provide eye care for those in needs in Guatemala and Nicaragua and President of Lions Club. She hopes to use her training in research to continue to provide the most up-to-date, evidence based care. She is practicing full-scope medical optometry at Spectrum Eye Care in Findlay, Ohio is looking forward to providing patients with a lifetime of vision care to meet their visual needs. Dr. Mathias is a professional member of the American Academy of Optometry and the American Optometric Association.
She enjoys spending time with family, friends, and traveling. In her free time she enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, sand volleyball and biking.
Physician Assistant (Associate)
Nicole Bergman PA-C, is a certified Physician Assistant.
Nicole was born and raised in Northwest Ohio. She received her Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science with minors in Biology and Chemistry in 2008. in 2010, she graduated with her Master's degree in Biomedical Sciences, Physician Assistant from the University of Toledo. Nicole has worked in Emergency Medicine and currently in Dermatology.
Nicole is licensed by the Ohio State Medical Board. She is an active member of her church, Hope Community Church of the Nazerene, Oregon, Ohio. Nicole currently resides in Genoa with her husband Bob and three children Bo, Britain, and Bauer. In her free time, Nicole enjoys being a mom, playing sports, gardening, cooking, vacationing and spending time with their family and friends.
April Gardner is a Physician Assistant. She graduated from Bowling Green State University majoring in Education and returned to BGSU for pre-medicine work in 1998. She is the first BGSU graduate from the Department of Biological Sciences to attend PA school. She graduated from the Medical College of Ohio in 2001 with a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences and Physician Assistant Studies.
She is the previous Program Director for the University of Toledo Physician Assistant Program where she also practiced clinically in the Department of Emergency Medicine (the ER) and the Department of Family Medicine. April had also practiced medicine in cardiothoracic surgery and urology and in the UTMC COVID ICU in addition to working in the ER and Family Medicine at UTMC. April is currently the Department Chair and Program Director for the Physician Assistant Program at Advent Health University located in Orlando, Florida. April loves to return to BG to talk to students about careers in medicine.
Physical Therapy
Sara Houlihan was born and raised in St Clair Shores, Michigan and is a proud BG grad. She majored in Applied Health Sciences and graduated in May 2009 with University Honors. While at BG, she was very active in the Honors Program. She went on to the University of Toledo where she earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2012.
Sara currently works at the University of Michigan University Hospital in Ann Arbor where she is a clinical specialist physical therapist who covers oncology, general medicine and the emergency department. Sara is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association and the Michigan Physical Therapy Association. Sara is also very active in research and has recently presented 2 posters at the national level and 1 poster and 1 platform presentation at the state level. She is actively working on a manuscript regarding mobility for general medicine patients while in the hospital.
When not at work, Sara enjoys spending time with her family and friends at her cottage in Northern Michigan.
Dr. Jeffrey Noftz MD, PT graduated from Bowling Green State University receiving his BS in Physical Therapy in 1992. He began his physical therapy career as a specialist in the rehabilitation of injured athletes at The Medical College of Ohio (currently known as University of Toledo Medical Center). During this time, Dr. Noftz specialized in the care and rehabilitation of injured athletes. He cared for athletes at every level including weekend warriors to Olympic athletes as well as served as one the principal physical therapists for The University of Toledo football program.
After 7 years, he returned to medical school and received his Doctorate in Medicine from The Medical College of Ohio in 2001. Selected as one of only four students to enter residency training early, he began his Family Medicine residency training in 2000 and completed this in 2003. During this time, he served as the Chief Resident in his final year of training.
Following residency, Dr. Noftz started the first Primary Care Sports Medicine practice at The Medical College of Ohio serving as its director in the Department of Orthopedics/Sports Medicine. During this time, he developed one of the first sports performance programs in the area focusing on athletes recovering from ligamentous injury/surgery.
Dr. Noftz then moved to Bowling Green, Ohio. While serving the local community as a primary care physician, he continued his professional goals in physical therapy opening Jump Start Physical Therapy in 2004.
In addition to this, in 2004 he began his work caring for BGSU students at the university’s Student Health Center eventually being named the Medical Director there. While at BGSU, he also cared for injured student athletes for the department of Intercollegiate Athletics. He was selected as The Head Team Physician/Director of Athletic Medicine in 2006.
Along with a team of professionals at BGSU, Dr. Noftz developed BGSU’s Sports Performance Program in 2007. As medical director of The Sports Performance Team, he helps coordinate the care offered by multiple BGSU professionals including Nutritionists, Sports Psychologists, Exercise Science faculty, and others with the goal of improving student athletes’ ability to compete at the highest level.
Dr. Noftz is a veteran serving in the US Air Force from 1984 through 1988. He is married to his wife Renee. Their daughter Jordan will be starting her freshman year at BGSU in 2019. He and his wife enjoy watching their daughter ride horses as she competes in barrel racing events including international competition at the Youth World Championships.
Updated: 10/07/2026 04:27PM