Kelly K. Lee

Kelly K. Lee is an Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology at the University of Washington. Her research focuses on integrating structural biology techniques to study dynamic viral processes, particularly membrane fusion mechanisms across multiple pathogens.

• Specializes in structural biology with expertise in X-ray scattering, cryo-EM, and fluorescence microscopy
• Joint appointment in Medicinal Chemistry
• Active in graduate student recruitment and training

Research combines solution X-ray scattering, cryo-electron tomography, and fluorescence microscopy to analyze structural hierarchies in viral systems. Recent work emphasizes pH-controlled membrane lysis and cross-neutralizing antibody responses across SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and HIV systems.

Recent publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches to viral structural dynamics, including nanoparticle vaccine design and mechanistic analysis of antibody neutralization. Key collaborations span virology, immunology, and computational biology domains.

Current projects include influenza hemagglutinin engineering, structural analysis of SARS-CoV-2 spike activation, and HIV-1 envelope protein dynamics. The research program appears focused on translational applications of structural biology to infectious disease interventions.