Dr. Lee is an Assistant Professor at UTMB Family Medicine & Community Health . She possesses a PhD in Health Services Research, a Master in Public Health, and a Master in Healthcare Law. She is specialized aging health including cancer, diabetes, and dementia prevention and control. Her quantitative research evaluates access to and quality of care using a variety of large data sets. Research findings are well translated to policy actions related to Medicare services. She also conducts qualitative studies examining patients' and health care providers' perspectives on barriers to delivering high quality care to inform strategies to improve patient-physician relationships. Her research is widely published in medical and health services research journals. With her outstanding research experiences, she was honored to be selected as one of the 2018 National Rural Health Association (NRHA) Fellows and one of the 2025 Texas Public Health Association (TPHA) Fellows.
In addition to her research, Dr. Lee is a strategic leader and educator whose work bridges rigorous research, cross-sector collaboration, and inspiring mentorship. She is a State-Certified Community Health Worker (CHW), Community Health Worker Instructor (CHWI), Long-Term Care Ombudsman, and CASA Volunteer of Galveston County. She has been one of the organizers of the UTMB's Conference on Migration and Health since 2018 and the annual United Nations Interfaith Conference in Galveston since 2022. She also has served in several statewide and national committees including the TPHA, Academy Health, American Public Health Association, Cancer Alliance of Texas, and many others. Her service in communities reflects a deep commitment to systemic change, uplifting voices across sectors, and building a healthier future.