Before joining ATF, Rodriguez worked at the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory from 2009 to 2020, where she received the Civil Service Commendation Medal for her outstanding contributions to national security and forensic investigations. 

Her expertise includes trace evidence and glass analysis, as well as glass direction of force, coatings and polymers, pressure-sensitive tapes, textiles and textile damage, hair suitability, and more. Over the past four and a half years, she has rebuilt the ATF’s Trace Evidence section, which had been inactive due to retirements. When the Department of Justice retired some like-new forensic machinery, Rodriguez facilitated its donation to SEMO, calling Dr. Jim McGill, associate dean and professor of chemistry and physics.

“I was more than happy to see the equipment get a second life,” Rodriguez said. “I wanted to give back just a little of what SEMO has given me—a great career in forensic science.”

In August 2024, Rodriguez successfully restored accreditation to the ATF’s Trace Evidence section, following external audits and new equipment validations. She also brought glass analysis capabilities online for the Atlanta lab for the first time.

Rodriguez has co-authored influential studies in glass analysis that have shaped conclusion criteria in the forensic sub-discipline. She currently serves as the Program Co-chair for the Criminalistics Section of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. She resides in Atlanta, GA, with her husband and two sons.