Gina Lee, PhD, an assistant professor of microbiology and molecular genetics at the University of California, Irvine (UCI), a member of the UCI Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, and an AACR member since 2009, died June 23, 2024. She was 39 years old.
Born in South Korea, She received a bachelor’s degree from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) and a doctorate from Seoul National University. She completed postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School and the Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center at Weill Cornell Medicine (WCM) of Cornell University.
Lee joined the faculty at WCM as an instructor in pharmacology before moving to UCI in 2020, where her research focused on cancer signaling and metabolism, with particular interest in the genetic kidney tumor syndrome known as tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC).
Leave your remembrance of Dr. Lee below (limit 1,000 characters).
I baldly missed Gina's kind attitude and brilliant discussion about Science of us. She always has showing deep consideration in not only science but also our personal things. Including me, every lab members and the people who know her love to talking with her. We'd remember every moments with you. Please keep watching us, I will follow your enthusiasm to Science and wonderful achievement as long as I live. Thank you so much for everything you gave me.
Gina was a consummate and generous scientist who helped me in many ways when I was a postdoc. She was always willing to discuss how best to articulate a point in a manuscript, design an experiment to show causality, and help troubleshoot data, even for myself as a postdoc in a different laboratory. She left us far too early and I have no doubt she would have continued her already stellar career to make many important scientific discoveries. All my love to her family, friends, and colleagues.
Hello, Gina.
Today, we had a Lee-Jang lab potluck party.
I truly regret that we didn’t invite you. However, I know that you have always supported us in every way.
So once again, I want to say thank you, Gina.
I plan to continue working hard on my research tomorrow as well. I’ll visit again later.
Bye!!!
Gina was a passionate, diligent, wise, kind, and warmhearted mentor, scientist, and colleague. In science, she always enthusiastically discussed the results with us and looked further ahead. In life, she led by example, showing her dedication and kindness to every one of us. As she guided and motivated us in science and everyday life, we will remember and share her kindness, thoughts, and passion with others. She will remain in our hearts always. Rest in peace, Gina. We miss you so much
Today, once again, I’m solving another problem by thinking about what kind of advice you would have given me if you were here. I’m really grateful to have a space where I can remember you and write these thoughts down. I need you so much, but whenever something comes up, I’ll visit this space and think of you.
It was such a great pleasure when I got a chance to meet her during my visit to UCI earlier this year. Even though it was the first time I met her, she struck me as an engaging, nice and enthusiastic scientist. She shared her passion with her research. We discussed about some of common interests in tumor suppressor signaling in cancer especially in kidney cancer. She will be deeply missed.
Gina's passing is an immense loss to the scientific community. Her unwavering dedication to cancer research, particularly in unraveling the complex signaling pathways of rare tumors, was a testament to her passion for advancing human health. Her legacy will endure in the countless lives she touched, both through her groundbreaking work and her kindness as a colleague and friend. Rest in peace, Gina.
As a scientist, she was fierce, purposeful, and diligent. As a professor, she was well respected and fostered a welcoming, learning environment. Most importantly, she was a genuine and caring friend. We miss you so much, Gina.
Whenever I walk down the hallway, it's hard to believe that Gina is no longer with us.
Yet, she left behind a legacy of pure love for science, research, and especially her mentees. I will carry her warm-hearted leadership with me as I continue in science. We will thrive in her honor!
Gina was an amazing person with a big smile and incredible kindness to everyone around her. She was also a great teacher and mentor with the best teaching award. She was a rising star in the field of rare tumor diseases including TSC and LAM and her science will be continued by her husband, colleagues, and mentees. She is deeply missed by everyone who knows her.