Lee Lecture Series

Our annual E.K.C. Lee Lecture and Dinner is in honor of one of Chemistry’s founding faculty: Professor Edward Lee. Ed came to the U.S. for undergraduate studies at Kansas Wesleyan University and graduated as valedictorian in his class. He then joined Sherry Rowland’s Group at the University of Kansas where he completed his Ph.D. studies in just 3.5 years. He helped run the Rowland Group in Kansas while Sherry was here, setting up the new UCI Chemistry Department.

Ed began at UCI as an Assistant Professor in 1965 and was promoted to Associate Professor, and then Full Professor in a total of just six years – a record of rapid promotion not yet exceeded on this campus. In addition to his exemplary scientific achievements in his too brief life, Ed was even more respected for his personal characteristics of integrity, cooperation, and friendship. To honor Ed, the Department established the annual Lee Lecture and Dinner beginning in 1988. Yoon Lee, Ed’s brother, has continued to be a friend of the UCI Chemistry Department and we are very grateful for his support.

This year's speaker is 2021 Nobel Laureate and UCI Alumnus, Professor David W.C. MacMillan from Princeton University. The lecture will take place on May 25, 2022 in the Student Center Doheny Beach.

Below are past speakers for the Lee Lecture Series.