Dr. Steve Hooser, DVM, PhD, DABVT, professor of veterinary toxicology at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine and senior veterinary toxicologist for the Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL), has received the American Board of Veterinary Toxicology’s (ABVT) 2026 Service Award. Given in recognition of a career that has shaped the field of veterinary toxicology for more than four decades, the award was announced July 13 at the ABVT Annual Business meeting held in Anaheim, California, in conjunction with the AVMA Convention 2026.
After earning his DVM, MS, and PhD degrees from the University of Illinois, Dr. Hooser completed postdoctoral research in toxicology at the University of Arizona and then served as a visiting research scientist at TNO Nutrition and Food Research in the Netherlands. He joined the faculty of the Department of Comparative Pathobiology at Purdue in 1994 and in addition to his roles as professor and veterinary toxicologist, he served several years as ADDL director, all the while teaching and mentoring generation after generation of veterinary students.
Moreover, Dr. Hooser has given generously of his time and expertise throughout his career. A Diplomate of the ABVT since 1989, he served as ABVT President from 2010 to 2012 and chaired its Strategic Planning Committee across two separate terms. His leadership also extends well beyond the ABVT. He served as president of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD) from 2017 to 2018; president of the Comparative and Veterinary Specialty Section of the Society of Toxicology; and continues to serve as Toxicology Section Editor of the Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation. In addition, he has been a steady advocate for the field in federal policy circles, helping lead Purdue’s involvement in the FDA’s VetLIRN program and chairing the USDA’s National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) Toxicology Working Group in 2007.
Dr. Hooser also has made extensive scholarly contributions to his field, with 44 peer-reviewed publications, more than 30 book chapters, and over 100 conference presentations spanning topics from harmful algal blooms to plant and pesticide toxicoses. His impact reaches well beyond the laboratory, as well, through public-facing efforts like his pet-safety videos on toxic plants and mushrooms that have reached tens of millions of viewers.
Colleagues consistently highlight not just his scholarly record, but his collegiality, generosity, and lifelong commitment to mentoring early-career toxicologists — qualities that reflect the spirit of service that the ABVT Service Award is meant to honor. Michelle Mostrom, DVM, MS, PhD, DABVT, North Dakota State University Veterinary Diagnostic Lab veterinary toxicologist, shared, “Dr. Hooser has generously shared his knowledge and enthusiasm in veterinary toxicology with colleagues, veterinarians, scientists, the public, and most importantly with future generations.” Another colleague, Robert Poppenga, DVM, PhD, DABVT, professor emeritus of clinical veterinary toxicology at the UC Davis Weill School of Veterinary Medicine, said, “I can’t think of an individual who has represented the discipline of veterinary toxicology over the years in a more positive way than Dr. Hooser.”
Congratulations, Dr. Hooser, on receiving the ABVT 2026 Service Award!
