Dr. Robert Lee

Biography

Robert J. Lee is an Associate Professor in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology: Head Neck Surgery at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. He completed his BS in Molecular Biology at the University of Pittsburgh in 2003 and earned his PhD in Cell Molecular Biology from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in 2008. His research focuses on the physiology of epithelial cells lining the upper and lower airway, aiming to understand how these cells respond to pathogens and regulate processes such as airway cell biology and motile cilia. His studies also involve investigating the roles of sensory receptors in airway diseases such as chronic rhinosinusitis, a condition affecting over 10% of the population and contributing to significant healthcare costs. His interdisciplinary collaboration with physicians allows for the translation of research findings into clinical settings, enhancing patient care and treatment outcomes.

Research Interests