Dr. Rodríguez received an M.D. in 1989 and a public health specialty in 1992 both from the University of Costa Rica. She joined a research group, in 1992, at the National University in Costa Rica as epidemiologist and served as Director of the Costa Rican Cancer Registry for two years. From 1996-2015 she served as Principal Investigator and co-Principal Investigator in several Costa Rican studies funded by the USA National Cancer Institute (NCI). Most of her research efforts have focused on cervical neoplasia and HPV infection natural history and cervical cancer prevention strategies including HPV vaccination, screening and detection of cervical neoplasia. Most recently, she became a consultant to Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics at NCI to collaborate with international efforts that will develop improved screening, triage and treatment methods more suitable for underserved and hard-to-reach populations.