Thao Rodriguez earned a bachelor of science in biology at UC Davis, followed by a bachelor and master of science in nursing from Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing (JHUSON). While studying at JHUSON, she worked as a registered nurse on a surgical floor. 

Her first position as a nurse practitioner was at Medstar Washington Hospital Center in Washington D.C., working as an interventional cardiology nurse practitioner for over a year before working as a geriatric nurse practitioner for over 2 years with Yale New Haven Hospital – Northeast Medical Group. More recently, Thao has been working as a research nurse practitioner and is responsible for all aspect of patient and research-related care, including acting as a sub-investigator and/or research nurse for multiple research studies including studies related to pre-clinical dementia, mild cognitive impairment, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and solid tumors. Outside of work, Thao enjoys activities such as eating, hiking, and the great outdoors with family, friends, and three dogs.