LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 31, 2025) The University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment has announced the appointment of Dr. Rebecca Wilkes, D.V.M., Ph.D., as the new director of the UK Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (UKVDL). Dr. Wilkes, a leading expert in veterinary microbiology, virology, and molecular diagnostics, brings over 20 years of experience to one of the nation’s premier veterinary diagnostic centers. Her leadership will play a crucial role in continuing to serve Kentucky’s vital agricultural and equine industries, advancing the lab's capabilities in diagnostic testing.

Dr. Wilkes’ appointment has been widely celebrated by university officials. “We are honored to have someone of Dr. Wilkes’ caliber lead the Veterinary Diagnostic Lab,” said Brett Sponseller, chair of the Department of Veterinary Science and director of the Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center. “Her expertise in veterinary diagnostics and infectious disease research makes her the ideal choice to direct the lab, ensuring cutting-edge diagnostic capabilities for Kentucky’s vital equine industry. Her leadership will strengthen the veterinary community’s ability to safeguard animal health, benefiting both equine medicine and broader veterinary practices.”

Originally from Tennessee, Dr. Wilkes earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in 2001. She went on to complete a Ph.D. in Comparative and Experimental Medicine from the same institution in 2007, specializing in virology and molecular biology. She is board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists in both virology and bacteriology/mycology.

Dr. Wilkes’ career has taken her to leading academic and research positions. She served as a research assistant professor at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine before joining the University of Georgia in 2015 as an assistant professor and head of the molecular and virology/serology laboratory sections at the Tifton Veterinary Diagnostic and Investigational Laboratory. In 2018, Dr. Wilkes moved to Purdue University, where she was appointed assistant professor and later became section head for the molecular laboratory at the Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory. She also served as associate professor in Purdue’s Department of Comparative Pathobiology.

Her recent research has focused on designing targeted next-generation sequencing panels for detecting infectious diseases in animals, a significant development for syndromic testing. Dr. Wilkes looks forward to collaborating with the UKVDL’s accomplished diagnostic team and harnessing cutting-edge technologies to better serve Kentucky’s animal industries.

“I am honored to have been selected for this position, and I fully recognize its significant responsibility,” said Dr. Wilkes. “I am committed to leading a highly qualified team of like-minded professionals to further enhance the UKVDL’s esteemed reputation. I am eager to serve the equine industry of the Commonwealth and our additional stakeholders with dedication and excellence.”

James Matthews, associate dean for research at the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, emphasized the critical role of the UKVDL in public health and animal disease detection. “The lab is essential not only for detecting animal disease outbreaks that affect farmers and pet owners but also for monitoring the spread of zoonotic diseases and antimicrobial resistance pathogens,” Matthews said. “Dr. Wilkes’ expertise in infectious disease diagnostics makes her ideally suited to lead this important mission.”

As the new director of the UKVDL, Dr. Wilkes is set to guide the lab in its vital role, ensuring its continued leadership in veterinary diagnostics while supporting the health and well-being of animals across the Commonwealth.

Source: https://uknow.uky.edu/professional-news/university-kentucky-names-new-veterinary-diagnostic-laboratory-director