Sally Lee
Power Words
Where were you born?
Maryland
What school did you attend?
University of Maryland, College Park (Go TERPS!)
What gained you interest in the NIH?
I come from a family of public servants. My father and most of my siblings work for the federal government. I am committed to public service and am passionate about the NIH mission of making important discoveries that improve health and save lives.
What kind of work do you do at the NIH?
I am the Executive Officer for the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS). NIGMS is one of 27 institutes and centers at the NIH. In this role, I lead the management operations of a national biomedical research institution with a $2.5 billion budget and a staff of about 200 employees, bringing a strategic approach to the key areas of: acquisitions, information technology, financial management, management analysis, human resources, and communications.
What message would you like to send to young Asians who are considering going to college?
I found my college years to be a very rewarding experience. In addition to broadening my intellectual knowledge, I met a diverse group of individuals who gave me a broader perspective of the world. I also learned the importance of asking questions and sharpening my critical thinking skills. My college professors instilled in me the confidence to question things, to exercise good judgment, and to use logic and reasoning to problem-solve. They also emphasized the importance of working with others and how diversity and inclusion can help with better decision-making. I truly valued my college experience, and felt that my four years at the UMD helped form the foundation for my future career.