Her academic journey was “deeply shaped by a strong foundation in mathematics,” says Professor Elodie Adida Goodman. “I was always interested in how mathematical models could be used to solve real-world problems.”
Today, she is a professor of operations and supply chain management at UCR School of Business, and she is right where she wants to be. “I didn’t know I wanted to teach or pursue research until the end of my own academic studies. At that point, I had the opportunity to apply for both academic and industry positions,” says Goodman, who earned an M.S. in engineering at École Centrale Paris and a Ph.D. in operations research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
“I ultimately chose academia, thinking I could always return to industry if I didn’t enjoy being a professor.”
Turns out, as a professor, she loves the intellectual freedom research offers. “I can create my own research agenda, tackle problems that excite me, and collaborate with brilliant colleagues,” she says. “Teaching allows me to make a broad, lasting impact by shaping the next generation of thinkers and practitioners. Sharing knowledge that I find both fascinating and essential to the world of business is incredibly rewarding.”
Her students acknowledged Goodman’s enthusiasm and investment in the classroom as they voted to honor her with the 2019 Golden Apple Award for Teaching Excellence, which annually recognizes the best overall experience in learning, engagement, teaching style, and innovative teaching methods.
In addition to her own prolific research, Goodman serves as associate editor at Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, Management Science, and Production and Operations Management scholarly journals. “These roles allow me to stay at the forefront of the field and engage with cutting-edge research,” she says. “They also provide me with a unique opportunity to contribute to the academic community by shaping the direction of scholarly discourse in operations management.”
In July 2025, Goodman was appointed the first Logistics Team Presidential Chair in Supply Chain Management at the UCR School of Business. “This century, AI, robotics, and automation will transform transportation and manufacturing the way mechanization transformed farming last century: Entire professions will disappear; new ones will emerge, and only the bold will lead,” says James Lin, CEO of UNIS Fulfillment and Transportation, who endowed the chair.
“Creating the Logistics Team Chair—and putting Elodie Goodman in it—is our way of saying we’re not waiting for that future. We’re building it, and we intend to lead it.”
Goodman appreciates the opportunity. “This honor motivates me to continue pushing the boundaries of my research and explore new avenues of inquiry that can have a real-world impact,” she says.
“This endowed chair also allows me to mentor the next generation of scholars and practitioners more effectively, and I hope to use this platform to inspire more students to pursue research and contribute to the academic community.”
In celebration of this honor, UCR Business asked Goodman to share some of her experiences and expertise:
Why are you interested in operations and supply chain management, and what makes it important to consumers?
Operations and supply chain management is integral to virtually every business sector, from manufacturing to health care. The field focuses on optimizing systems, improving decision-making, and enhancing efficiency, which ultimately benefits society as a whole.
I think many people, especially in today’s world, only truly become aware of the importance of operations when disruptions occur, such as during the pandemic. The reality is operations and supply chain management are the backbone of business strategy—it touches everything, from ensuring that products get to customers on time to designing systems that reduce waste and improve sustainability. As industries continue to globalize and innovate, this field will only grow in importance.
You expressed how much you enjoy being in the classroom. How would you describe your teaching style?
I believe in a hands-on, active learning approach. In my classroom, students don’t just absorb content passively—they engage with it, apply it, and question it. I emphasize understanding the “why” behind the concepts, as opposed to rote memorization.
This is especially important in subjects like statistics, where students can easily get bogged down in formulas. By using business-relevant examples and real-world data, I make sure that students see the practical value of what they are learning.
What do you tell students as they consider studying operations and supply chain management?
My main piece of advice is to build a strong foundation in quantitative subjects—whether it is statistics, optimization, or data analysis. These skills are invaluable not just in academia but in the job market as well.
Operations and supply chain management is an ever-evolving field that increasingly relies on data-driven decision-making, so having a solid grasp on quantitative methods will give you a competitive edge.
You joined the UCR School of Business in 2012. What has impressed you about the school? What do you find the most satisfying, and what is the most challenging?
I am consistently impressed with the dedication of students, staff, and faculty. UCR students are exceptionally motivated and eager to learn, and I find their drive incredibly inspiring. The faculty and staff are also deeply committed to supporting one another, which fosters a collaborative and positive academic environment.
The most satisfying aspect of working at UCR is seeing the growth and success of my students—knowing that I’ve contributed, even in a small way, to their personal and professional development.
On the flip side, the most challenging aspect is navigating the balance between research, teaching, and service, especially as I strive to contribute to the university, the academic community, and the broader business world.
Being in Southern California also offers a vibrant setting for both personal and professional growth. The region’s diversity, dynamic industries, and strong ties to global business networks creates a rich backdrop for academic work.
What is your current research?
My research is primarily on health care payment systems, which is an area that has become increasingly important as the industry grapples with rising costs and accessibility issues. I’m particularly interested in how different payment models impact the incentives for pharmaceutical companies, health care providers, and patients. My work in this area aims to inform policies that can improve both the affordability and quality of health care, while still providing enough incentive for innovation in drug development.
What do you do to balance your career outside of work?
My four kids keep me on my toes! There’s never a dull moment with a full house, and I find that spending time with them offers the perfect balance to my career. Sometimes, it’s a day at the beach, going on a hike, or simply enjoying a meal together. Family time helps me recharge and maintain perspective. It’s important to stay grounded, and for me, my family is the best way to do that.
Bonus: Research to Read
Two papers published in Management Science by Goodman explore innovative pricing models for pharmaceuticals, which she says is a highly relevant and accessible topic for a wide range of readers:
“Outcome-Based Pricing for New Pharmaceuticals via Rebates,” 2021
“Indication-Based Pricing for Multi-Indication Drugs,” 2024
“Incentivizing Drug Rediscovery: Exclusivity Extension and Priority Review for Repurposed Therapeutics” is a 2025 working paper by Goodman and co-author Fernanda Bravo. “This paper investigates policy tools to incentivize finding new uses for existing drugs,” says Goodman.
“The general theme of my research is the need for reforms to make health care more affordable and effective by better aligning incentives among the main players.
“This is a topic that resonates with students, business leaders, and even the general public, especially as health care costs continue to rise.”