She graduated from Kenston High School in 1976, attended Bowling Green State University for two years and transferred to the Ohio State University where she received three degrees, a BS in Zoology and a Masters and Ph.D. in Entomology.

Rockey's career in research and grants administration began in 1986 at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service where she held a variety of positions prior to appointment as the head of the Competitive Grants Program and finally the agency's Chief Information Officer in 2002.

She oversaw many complex initiatives while at NIH and gave special attention to workforce issues, as promoting the next generation of scientists has been a linchpin of her career.

Rockey is considered one of the central voices globally for promoting agricultural sciences as a way to improve people's lives[citation needed] and works closely with Congress, Federal agencies, and other significant organizations on ag science funding and policy issues.

Known for her skill in public speaking and often entertaining presentations[citation needed], Rockey has given hundreds of talks on various topics during the course of her career and has been featured on radio, podcasts and occasionally television.