New Faculty Member Joins Comparative Pathobiology Department and Reed ADDL

Dr. Rachel Soltys

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

Recent Stories

PVM White Coat Ceremony Celebrates Major Milestone for DVM Class of 2026

The Purdue Memorial Union ballrooms provided a classic setting for an annual event that has become a cherished tradition of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. Members of the DVM Class of 2026 gathered with family, friends and faculty and staff on the evening of April 12 for the annual White Coat Ceremony that signals the transition of the third year veterinary students from the classroom to the clinics.

Breast Cancer Drug Supinoxin Shows Potential for Small-cell Lung Cancer Treatment in New Tests

Purdue University scientists led by co-principal investigators in the Colleges of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine have identified the Supinoxin small-molecule drug as a possible new therapy for small-cell lung cancer (SCLC).

Tail-Wagging Success Characterizes PVM’s Participation in Purdue Day of Giving

As the day dawned Wednesday, April 30, evidence came pouring in that Boilermakers everywhere – whether alumni, friends and/or fans – were answering the call to make the 2025 Purdue Day of Giving our loudest and proudest “All hail!” yet. And Purdue Veterinary Medicine played a part in the success!

PVM’s Oncology Team Buoys Purdue Institute for Cancer Research 5K Fundraising Run

It is no surprise that the members of Purdue’s Werling Comparative Oncology Research Center (WCORC) in the College of Veterinary Medicine would not back down from a challenge, especially when it comes to supporting innovative cancer research. So, true to form, about two-dozen representatives of the center could be found out on the course Saturday, April 12, participating in the 17th annual 5K Challenge fundraising run to support the Purdue Institute for Cancer Research.

“Paws Up” – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

This week we extend our appreciation to Lisa Hepworth, DVM, who is a senior lecturer and instructor of record for small animal junior surgery.