News

At Charles R. Drew University (CDU), Dr. Martin L. Lee is a respected figure in the field of biostatistics, whose career has been marked by a profound commitment to research and education.

His expertise in clinical trials, biologic and biotechnological proteins, and pharmacokinetic data analysis has significantly impacted not only biostatistics but also collaborative fields like immunology, hematology, and oncology.

Dr. Lee’s academic journey began at UCLA, where he began teaching as a graduate student and discovered his passion for teaching. After years at UCLA’s School of Public Health and impacting over 10,000 students, Dr. Lee’s path led him to CDU in 2000, marking the beginning of an important chapter in his career.

At CDU, Dr. Lee’s role has been multifaceted and influential. “I joined the faculty in the Department of Internal Medicine at Drew to continue my teaching and research activities in the Division of Endocrinology,” he explains. His work at CDU includes the development of the Master of Clinical Research program, a pioneering initiative that began in 2006.

“It was important to define the program to the community that Drew best serves,” he states, highlighting his commitment to adapting education to meet community needs.

His motivation for this career path stemmed from a unique blend of mathematics and a keen interest in medicine. “I began my undergraduate program at UCLA as a mathematics/pre-med major,” he shares, describing how he found his calling in biostatistics, perfectly marrying his skills and interests.

Dr. Lee’s career has been punctuated with challenges that have shaped his approach to research and teaching. He describes the experience of initiating new degree programs as both challenging and rewarding, necessitating a significant shift in his teaching methods.

“I needed to significantly adjust my teaching approach. This caused me to rethink my entire approach to the didactic,” he reflects.

Keeping abreast of the evolving landscape of biostatistics and data science, Dr. Lee continues to attend various statistical conferences on a routine basis and read numerous statistical journals in his field. Currently, Dr. Lee is excited about the potential of Big Data in biostatistics, particularly in public health.

He is involved in evaluating extensive databases to unearth trends and predictors in public health issues like prematurity. Furthermore, his research at CDU is expanding into smoking cessation methods in underserved communities, showcasing the broadening scope of their research.

Dr. Lee’s tenure at CDU is a testament to his enduring dedication to advancing research and nurturing the next generation of professionals. His contributions continue to shape the future of healthcare, leaving a lasting legacy in the field of biostatistics and beyond.