Wendy LeeView profile
Associate Professor
Dr. Wendy Lee is an Associate Professor and the MS Bioinformatics Program Coordinator in the Department of Computer Science at San José State University's College of Science. With over a decade of industry experience developing bioinformatics analytical pipelines and enterprise software, she brings practical expertise to her academic role. She serves as faculty advisor for the SJSU Girls Who Code College Loop and the SJSU Bioinformatics Club, demonstrating her commitment to broadening participation in computing. Ph.D. Bioinformatics, University of California Santa Cruz, CA M.S. Molecular Biology and Microbiology, San Jose State University, CA B. Math Computer Science (Co-op), University of Waterloo, ON, Canada Dr. Lee's research focuses on developing and applying computational methods to analyze and integrate large-scale 'omics' datasets including genomic, epigenomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolomic, and metagenomic data. Her work aims to understand how genes work together to comprise functioning cells and organisms. She is particularly interested in next-generation sequencing data analysis for genomic, transcriptomic, and metagenomic studies. Dr. Lee also serves as a faculty member of the Applied Programming Experiences (APEX) program that embeds Python-based computing modules into introductory Statistics and Biology courses to expose diverse students to computer programming. Analysis of Dr. Lee's recent publications (2018-2024) reveals a strong focus on bioinformatics applications in genomics, toxicology, and microbiome research, particularly using Drosophila melanogaster as a model system. Her work spans computational methods development, including machine learning approaches for sequencing data analysis, and interdisciplinary educational initiatives aimed at broadening participation in computing. The publications demonstrate her dual commitment to advancing bioinformatics research and improving STEM education. Journal Reviewer for Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science (2020-present) Journal Reviewer for Network Modeling Analysis in Health Informatics and Bioinformatics (2021-present) CSU Cal-Bridge CS Program Liaison and Mentor (2020-present) Dr. Lee actively mentors students through thesis projects (CS 297/298) and has advised numerous students who appear as co-authors on her publications. She serves on multiple departmental committees including the TA Training Committee, Computer Science Scholarship Committee, and previously the College of Science Research Committee. Her educational initiatives, particularly the APEX program, demonstrate her commitment to integrating computational thinking across disciplines and fostering diversity in computing fields. Dr. Lee directs The Lee Research Lab, which focuses on computational methods for 'omics' data analysis. She is also involved with the Applied Programming Experiences (APEX) program that embeds Python-based computing modules into introductory Statistics and Biology courses. Her lab work combines bioinformatics method development with biological applications, particularly in genomics and toxicology research using model organisms.








