As Strategic Initiatives Manager, Tobias E. Rodriguez supports Pitt’s faculty in advancing the research and scholarship culture at the University. He is responsible for identifying opportunities to fund faculty and institutional research agendas, he coaches faculty on proposal development efforts, and works to increase Pitt’s representation with prestigious and notable research awards.

Prior to joining Pitt, Rodriguez was Vice President at a consulting firm focused on health professions education, higher education, and academic research. He led efforts with over 100 international academic health centers and universities to create programs in research, leadership, and professional development; strategic plans and feasibility studies; and he led the teams responsible for the first two international dental schools to receive accreditation from a U.S. accrediting agency.  Previously, Rodriguez also served as a faculty member at Louisiana State University Health Science Center. There he taught biomedical and research courses and led professional and research development efforts for faculty and students. He has received accolades for his teaching and work in higher education.

Rodriguez earned his bachelor’s degree in microbiology at New Mexico State University, and his doctorate in microbiology and immunology at the University of Michigan.