Jessica Rodriguez is a PhD candidate in Epidemiology with a focus on Genomics and Bioinformatics at The University of Texas Health Science Center School of Public Health. She holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology with a minor in Biostatistics from the same institution, and dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology and English Literature from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

Over a seven-year period, Jessica has accumulated considerable experience in conducting public health research. Her work has involved wastewater surveillance for microbes, and laboratory adaptation of various molecular diagnostic assays including those for SARS-CoV-2. She also has experience conducting molecular sequencing, running ELISA assays, performing chemical/molecular analysis, and in profiling pathogen biomarkers. She is passionate about addressing health disparities and improving health outcomes for underserved, minority populations.

Jessica is now a Research Associate in the One Health Laboratory at UTMB under Dr. Gregory Gray, and serves as the Editor for the One Health Newsletter.