Previously, she was a visiting assistant professor of finance in the Spears School of Business at Oklahoma State University and the McCoy College of Business Administration at Texas State University—San Marcos. Lee has authored several academic publications including in the Journal of Banking and Finance and presented at various academic conferences. Her research interests are varied and include mergers and acquisitions, banking, real estate, corporate, and journal citations. She earned her PhD in finance from Oklahoma State University. Before returning to academia, Lee worked in the mortgage industry for MidFirst Bank.