December 29, 2014
From the lab bench to the White House
When Jennifer Lee, ’06, came to the University of Washington, she expected to earn her bachelor’s degree and then a Ph.D. in a science-related discipline. She didn’t think she’d end up working at the White House.
Jennifer Lee, ’06, is senior associate general counsel and policy advisor for the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
As an undergraduate double-majoring in neurobiology and international studies, Lee did research in two labs. “I’ve always loved the spirit of discovery,” says Lee. “It’s very exciting to embark on something that no one has ever discovered and contribute to the body of knowledge.”
Lee was awarded a Washington Research Foundation Fellowship for advanced undergraduate research and is a published neuroscientist. She was fascinated with lab work but discovered that she wanted to realize the results of her work more quickly.
Now with a law degree and master‘s in public policy from Georgetown University, Lee incorporates science, law, and government and serves as senior associate general counsel and policy advisor for the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Taking a seat at the political table instead of the lab bench lines up with what her parents taught her.
“I grew up with immigrant parents who said that whatever I did [in my career] has to contribute to society and, particularly, to America,” says Lee.
About Washington Research Foundation Fellowships
Washington Research Foundation Fellowships for advanced undergraduate research at the University of Washington recognize students’ accomplishments and —more importantly—are investments in their future promise. These fellowships offer critical support for students to grow as researchers, thinkers and scientific leaders.
Since the fellowship program’s inception in 2004, 91 awards totaling $600,000 have been made.
At the Office of Science and Technology Policy, she counsels President Obama’s science advisor and his staff on administrative law, fiscal law, constitutional law, ethics and intellectual property matters related to coordination of national and international science and technology policy.
The borders between the scientific, political and public spheres are permeable for Lee. Having four years of scientific research experience helps her represent scientists’ ideas and understand and communicate the impact of policy decisions on science and technology. Each day is gloriously different but the areas Lee regularly focuses on encompass improving the patent system to spur innovation and discovery, charting a path for brain science, and promoting transparency.
Lee and her colleagues work with several other offices and agencies around these and other complex issues to explore and debate ideas and information in order to determine what will help President Obama make decisions.
The range of her experiences from the UW and beyond continue to impact her today. After earning her bachelor’s, Lee traveled to South America, Turkey, Southeast and East Asia as a Bonderman Travel Fellow. The people she met and viewpoints she came to understand abroad “reminded me that the volume of what you do know is very little compared to that which you don’t know … that certainly had a great impact on how I perceive the complexity of issues” and the importance of “input from different people when you’re trying to resolve a complex problem. Whatever solution you come up with will be a cross-section of ideas.”
“I feel like I’m making a difference everyday,” says Lee. “Science policy work is incredibly fulfilling and allows me to enable other researchers to do great work.”
Jennifer Lee’s Road to the White House
Jennifer Lee enjoys a moment at a White House event for the president’s political appointees and their families.
2002-2005: UW undergraduate researcher
2006: Graduated magna cum laude from UW Honors Program
2006: Internship with Senator Maria Cantwell’s office
2006-07: Traveled on Bonderman Travel Fellowship
2008-2010: Advisor on environmental enforcement and compliance for the Environmental Protection Agency
2010-12: Policy intern, legal assistant, then associate counsel for the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy
2011: Graduated from Georgetown University with degrees in law and public policy
2012-13: Advisor for U.S. Department of Homeland Security on privacy and transparency
2013-present: Senior associate general counsel and policy advisor for the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy