Baragona began his career as a lab rat. He spent almost eight years working in biotechnology and basic research, splicing genes, stimulating nerve cells, and studying gonorrhea. Tired of the frustrations and failures that are a fundamental part of basic research, Baragona decided it was time for a change. After writing a couple of pieces for UNC publications, he discovered writing about science was much more satisfying than doing it. He enrolled in the inaugural class of UNC's master's program in Medical Journalism and graduated in May 2002.

While in graduate school, Baragona caught the radio bug working at the Triangle's highly-rated public radio station, WUNC. He won awards from Public Radio News Directors, Inc. and the UNC-CH School of Journalism and Mass Communication for pieces that aired on WUNC.

After graduating from UNC, he worked for Voice of America in Washington, D.C., reporting on health and science to a worldwide audience of nearly 100 million.