Her research focuses on public relations and digital media, particularly within the context of science communication. Her primary program of research examines how public relations practitioners can utilize two-way communication online to more effectively communicate about science with lay audiences. This work can be seen in academic journals such as Science Communication and Environmental Communication. Her research on climate change communication has also been funded by the Arthur W. Page Center for Integrity in Public Communication. At NCSU, Lee teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in public relations, including digital media in public relations and public relations campaigns. She also serves as the faculty advisor for the NCSU chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America.