Jennifer Lee

Academic Interests

Computer Science & Statistics

Fun Fact

My favorite creative outlets include painting, playing the flute, and trying new calisthenics skills!

My name is Jennifer Lee, and I am a computer science major with a minor in statistics. I’m passionate about the intersection of healthcare, technology, and business, with a long-term goal of advancing AI in healthcare in ways that are both innovative and responsible.
   
Growing up, I knew I wanted to dedicate my career to improving human health. I began my journey at Duke with a curiosity for how data and technology can solve complex, human problems. As a student researcher on the Bass Connections project Data Science to Optimize Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, I explored pharmacoepidemiology, causal inference, and deep survival machines to better predict and prevent cardiovascular events. My work in the Sherwood Lab introduced me to cancer biology and vascular research, where I investigated the role of proteins in C. elegans basement membranes to understand cancer metastasis and aneurysm formation. These experiences gave me both a respect for rigorous research and a desire to translate it into real-world solutions.
   
In summer 2025, I joined J.P. Morgan as a Commercial Banking Summer Analyst in Washington, D.C., working with companies ranging from $20 million to $2 billion in revenue across industries including healthcare, government, technology, and life sciences. The role strengthened my understanding of how financial strategy can support innovation in critical sectors, including how we can improve healthcare from a finance perspective. I’m thrilled to be returning full-time to J.P. Morgan after graduation.
   
A pivotal chapter in my professional growth came at Elevance Health, where I served as an IT Business Analyst Intern. There, I led a project to modernize a medical case summary platform with AI, projecting a 15% reduction in review time, over 12,000 clinician hours saved annually, and a $2.5M return on investment. Collaborating with clinicians, engineers, product managers, and data teams challenged me to think across disciplines, adapt quickly, and always stay curious. It also solidified my love for cross-functional problem-solving in healthcare technology.
   
Beyond academics and work, I’ve been honored to serve as Vice President of DTech, helping women in STEM build both professional networks and personal support systems. As a Senator in Duke Student Government, I worked on the Blue Devil Bridges initiative, which is the university’s first alumni-to-undergraduate mentoring program. My faith community is also central to my life, and I serve as a student leader in Duke Cru.
   
Whether I’m analyzing data, painting a new piece of art, playing tennis, or spending time outdoors with friends, I’m driven by the same motivation: to create meaningful connections - between ideas, people, and solutions that can make the world better.

What do you like about being a SPIRE Fellow?

Being a SPIRE fellow has brought me a welcoming, supportive community of peers and mentors. There’s always a familiar face around campus, and I love getting to know everyone’s unique STEM story. SPIRE has also brought invaluable opportunities to explore academic and professional pursuits. Through the program’s commitment to inclusivity, mentorship, and support, I got to challenge myself and grow deeply on a personal and professional level. Thanks to the unwavering guidance and encouragement from SPIRE, I know I have a cornerstone of support wherever I go moving forward.