Alejandra Valentina Gonzalez Rodriguez

Valentina is a PhD candidate in Epidemiology at the Ontario Veterinary College, with a collaborative specialization in One Health. Her research takes a mixed-methods approach to examine the sociocultural drivers and public health implications of international dog rescue. Canine importation has increased significantly in Canada over the past decade, raising concerns regarding infectious disease risks and leading to a partial importation ban. Using a One Health approach, Valentina's research integrates human and animal health within a sociocultural context. The findings will inform the development of a certification system for international dog adoption organizations and contribute policy recommendations for establishing a more sustainable approach to canine importation. Her research interests also include vector-borne diseases, having previously completed an undergraduate project examining the spatial and temporal patterns of Culicoides vectors in Ontario. Outside of research, she enjoys hiking, practicing karate, and volunteering with Autism Dog Services to train a service dog.