Through her research, teaching, and service work, Jane Lee, the daughter of immigrant parents, focuses on helping underserved immigrant groups who lack access to health care.
After graduating from Notre Dame, Lee earned a Master of Social Work degree from Columbia University in 2011. During her studies, she started her work with immigrant and refugee populations and saw their health needs firsthand. While working toward her Ph.D. at New York University, Lee learned she would need open-heart surgery to replace a valve. The experience further strengthened her resolve to make sure everyone receives access to critical health services. After earning her Ph.D. in 2017, she became an assistant professor at the University of Washington’s School of Social Work.
Lee’s publications in scholarly journals have attracted media coverage, and she continues to pursue innovative research and volunteer work that helps improve health outcomes for immigrant communities.
Lee, who lives with her husband, Robert, and dog, Rosie, in Seattle, was recognized as one of Notre Dame’s inaugural Domer Dozen honorees in 2019. The Domer Dozen honors young alumni who continue to make a difference in the areas of faith, service, learning, or work, serving as inspiring role models to a rising generation of soon-to-be Notre Dame graduates.