Rachel Bleich, Dr.

Mentoring

Biology

Education

• SPIRE Postdoctoral Scholar, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• Ph.D. Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• B.S. Chemistry, Western Carolina University

Rachel Bleich is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology. Her research focuses on microbial interactions in the gut microbiome, and uses microbiological, molecular biology, and biochemistry techniques. Her research engages students in exploring and defining mechanisms by which resident, non-pathogenic bacteria participate in interactions that impact microbial ecology and host health. She has mentored graduate and undergraduate students in their thesis research, including several Honors students who completed both university and departmental honors. Her research has been supported by the National Science Foundation, North Carolina Policy Collaboratory, and internal grants from RIEEE, URC, OSR, and CAS. Rachel teaches Microbiology lecture and labs, Biological Concepts I, and a capstone seminar in Microbiome Research. She serves her department as an academic advisor and joined the Honors College in 2025 as the Academic Mentor for Biology. Rachel is excited to join the Honors College team to build relationships with students and support their professional and personal growth while at Appalachian State.