Sun Ok Lee

Sun Ok Lee is a Professor in the Department of Food Science at the University of Arkansas, affiliated with the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences. She also serves as the (DREX)-Director of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station and holds roles within the Division of Agriculture. Her research focuses on functional foods, phytochemical bioavailability, and the anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties of plant-derived compounds.

• Ph.D. in Nutrition, Iowa State University (minor: Toxicology)
• M.S. in Nutrition (Iowa State University) and M.S./B.S. in Food Science (Dongduk Women's University, South Korea)

Research interests include berry extracts' effects on intestinal health, gut microbiota modulation, and bioactive compounds from fruits/vegetables. Recent work emphasizes plant volatiles' roles in inflammation reduction and cancer cell inhibition. Her studies often use in vitro models (e.g., Caco-2/RAW264.7 co-cultures) and animal models to evaluate functional food components.

Publications highlight trends in nutraceutical development, with a focus on berries' health benefits, watermelon's anti-diabetic potential, and herbal extracts for cancer prevention. No specific awards are listed, but her work aligns with institutional priorities in agricultural innovation and food science.

Advising and grants are not explicitly detailed in available texts, though her administrative roles suggest involvement in research funding. She collaborates with the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service on applied food science projects.