Mark Lee

Mark Lee, Ph.D., serves as Associate Professor of Biology and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Spelman College, a leadership role he assumed on July 1, 2025. With over two decades at Spelman since joining as a tenure-track faculty member in 2002, he has held significant positions including Chair of the Biology Department (2009-2016) and Associate Chair (2008-2009).

Education:

• B.S. in Chemistry, Morris Brown College
• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Clark Atlanta University (research at Morehouse School of Medicine)

Dr. Lee's research spans Immunology and Molecular Biology, focusing on cell-mediated immunity, cytokine regulation, and RNA interference. His lab develops reagents for AIDS vaccine research using rhesus macaque models, with emphasis on siRNA delivery via Nucleofection technology and the antiviral properties of IL-16.

His publications demonstrate a consistent focus on immune mechanisms, from cytokine signaling to environmental immunotoxicology, with interdisciplinary applications in health disparities research.

Awards:

• PULSE Fellowship (2020)

As an educator, Dr. Lee has taught core biology courses and secured major grants including the NSF/HBCU-UP ASPIRE project (2007-2013). His leadership extends to serving on the External Advisory Committee for NIH/NIMHD at Albany State University (2010-2014) and as a Spelman College Trustee.

His laboratory specializes in developing nucleic acid-based reagents for AIDS research and cytokine therapeutics through advanced gene silencing techniques.