He was born in Argentina in 1942, and states that it was while he was in high school that he decided he wanted to become a professor. Biglieri studied in Spain for four years and then came to the United States to pursue his PhD at Syracuse University. He worked in New York State, Ohio, and Alabama, before coming to the University of Kentucky in the late 1980s. He remembers professors who influenced him during his education including his mentor at Syracuse. Biglieri describes a typical day for him as a professor. His day usually consists of doing paperwork, teaching, advising, and attending committee meetings and that is only while he is at the office. He completes even more work at home.