Residence Ithaca, New York, USA Institution Cornell University | Institutions Cornell University | |
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Fields Biology, animal behavior, behavioral syndrome, urban ecology, urban science Education PhD Biology, University of Missouri-St. Louis
MS Vertebrate Zoology, University of Memphis
BS Animal Science, Tennessee Technological University Thesis An investigation of behavioral syndromes and individual differences in exploratory behavior of prairie voles, Microtus ochrogaster. Doctoral advisor Dr. Zuleyma Tang-Martínez, Professor of Biology | ||
Danielle N. Lee is a research biologist, blogger, and outreach scientist focused on increasing minority participation in STEM fields. Originally from South Memphis, Tennessee, she originally intended to go into veterinary medicine before eventually deciding to pursue academic research. Her research interests focus on the connections between ecology and evolution and its contribution to animal behavior.
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Academic work
As of 2016 Lee is a post-doctoral research associate at Cornell University, studying behavioral ecology in the lab of Dr. Alexander Ophir which focuses on Neuroethology. Her current focus of study is the African giant pouched rat, examining the extent to which they exhibit behavioral syndromes and the potential role of genetics in these behavioral differences. Previous work included studies of prairie vole behaviors and personalities. In her 2011 thesis, Lee proposed a new system of describing animal personality traits from more subjective, emotional descriptors, to observational adjectives.
The Urban Scientist
Lee is the author of the popular blog, The Urban Scientist, hosted by Scientific American: Scientific American Blog Network. Through her posts, Lee covers her experience as a research scientist, issues relating to STEM diversity, and urban ecology (what she calls "science you can see in your backyard" Dr. Lee also published the blog Urban Science Adventures! until 2011.
Outreach Efforts
Lee's outreach efforts focus on sharing science with the general public, particularly through outdoor experiences and social media outlets. Lee founded the National Science and Technology News Service, a media advocacy group focused on increasing interest in STEM and science news coverage within the African-American community. She has garnered many awards for her efforts to increase minority participation in STEM fields.