Ali Eskandarian, a theoretical physicist, has over two decades of experience in higher education serving both public and private institutions in faculty, administrative, and executive positions. He has played a crucial role in launching new research initiatives, creating interdisciplinary academic programs, and founding an innovative college.
His academic work has focused on cross-disciplinary investigations in science and technology, STEM education, as well as innovative curricula and programs designed with the needs of new generations of traditional and non-traditional students and lifelong learners in mind. His industry experience in aerospace and telecommunications as well as consulting, and his work on science and technology problems of national significance at the National Research Council – the operating arm of the National Academies – give him additional rare perspective on issues facing higher education.
His research interests have included nuclear and particle theory, high-energy astrophysics, foundations of quantum theory, and quantum computing and information. He is an elected Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and The Washington Academy of Sciences.
Mary-Jon Ludy, a nutrition scientist, discovered BGSU nearly three decades ago as a summer camper at Buckeye Girls State. She chose BGSU for her undergraduate studies and returned as a faculty member in 2011, after earning graduate degrees from Tufts and Purdue University, and working as an outpatient registered dietitian in Boston.
Her expertise spans bioactive spices, college health, and dietetic practice. She has been widely published in peer-reviewed journals and profiled by popular press outlets such as the BBC, NPR, and The New York Times. Dr. Ludy is a Past President of the Ohio Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics and served on the State Medical Board of Ohio’s Dietetics Advisory Council.
As an administrator, Mary-Jon is committed to fostering inclusive, equitable pathways for student success. She was a Mid-American Conference Academic Leadership Development Program Fellow, completed the HERS Leadership Institute, and was recognized at BGSU with the Faculty Senate Award for Leadership as a Chair. Nationally, she received the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s Leadership Award.
