Benjamin L. Lee

Benjamin L. Lee is a Professor in the Department of Technology at California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA), where he has been teaching since 1997. He also holds prestigious international appointments as Honorary Chair Professor at Wuhan University in China and Honorary Guest Professor at the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology. Dr. Lee has served in multiple leadership roles at CSULA, including Associate Dean of the College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Technology, Director of Graduate Studies, Accreditation, and Assessment, and Chair of the Department of Technology.

Dr. Lee earned his Doctor of Industrial Technology from the University of Northern Iowa in 1992, a Master of Science in Industrial Technology from Central Missouri State University in 1981, and a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Communications from Chinese Culture University in 1980. Before entering academia, he gained eight years of industry experience as a managing director and manager in the printing and publishing sector, followed by five years of teaching at Central Michigan University and Eastern Michigan University.

His research spans new media applications, micro communications, and creative media, with particular focus on On-Line Media-On-Demand, Distributed Training, and the relationship between new media technology and user habits. Analyzing his recent publications reveals a consistent trajectory toward digital transformation in graphic communications, with increasing emphasis on workflow automation (particularly JDF), variable data printing, mobile cross-media communications, and educational pathways for graphic communications professionals. His work bridges traditional print media with emerging digital technologies, reflecting the industry's evolution.

• Education Award of Excellence (2005) from Printing Industries of America
• College Teacher of the Year Award (2005) from Los Angeles County Industrial Technology Education Association
• Professor of the Year Award (2005) from ECST Student Council
• Exemplary Contributions Award (2004) from ATMAE
• PIASC Educator of the Year (2003)
• Educator of the Year Award (2002) from Electronic Document Systems Foundation
• Outstanding Professor Award (2001) from ATMAE
• Fellow of Institute of Print-Media Professionals (2005-present)
• IDEAL Scholar of ABET (2006-present)

Dr. Lee has secured over $2 million in grant funding from major organizations including Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Honeywell, and Southern California Edison. He pioneered the innovative 2+4+Career model that connects high school students with university education in graphic communications. As a mentor, he has directed numerous student projects and served as thesis advisor, while also establishing the CSULA Hydrogen Research Facility and leading ABET accreditation efforts for eight engineering and computer science programs.

Dr. Lee has developed state-of-the-art facilities including the Graphic Communications/Digital Imaging/Media Lab and has been instrumental in creating the M.S. in Technology Leadership program and the hybrid online Aviation Administration curriculum. His leadership extends to industry partnerships with major printing companies and professional organizations worldwide.