New Faculty Member Joins Comparative Pathobiology Department and Reed ADDL

The College of Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Comparative Pathobiology recently welcomed Dr. Rachel Soltys as clinical assistant professor of diagnostic microbiology. Dr. Soltys, who started January 20, also serves as section head of Bacteriology in the Willie M. Reed Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL).

Dr. Soltys grew up in Southern Ohio and earned her DVM degree at The Ohio State University (OSU) before accepting the role of Infection Control Fellow for OSU’s Veterinary Medical Center where she helped develop a veterinary-specific antimicrobial stewardship program. She then continued her education at the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, earning her PhD in Veterinary Sciences (Immunology and Infectious Disease) and completing a residency in Veterinary Clinical Microbiology.

Dr. Soltys next worked as a lecturer and consultant clinical microbiologist at the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, and later served as the microbiology section head at the Arizona Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Her areas of interest include antimicrobial resistance, responsible antimicrobial use, and zoonotic and foodborne diseases.

In her new role as head of the Reed ADDL’s Bacteriology and Mycology section, Dr. Soltys oversees daily diagnostic testing, new test development, and process improvement. She also provides consultations for clients including veterinarians, producers, and owners. Additionally, Dr. Soltys teaches DVM students and veterinary nursing students, trains residents and graduate students, and participates in collaborative research.

Outside of work, Dr. Soltys enjoys the company of her cat, Arwen, and having time for her hobbies that include reading, hiking, and baking bread.

Welcome, Dr. Soltys!

Writer(s): Nathan Dell, Kevin Doerr | pvmnews@purdue.edu

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