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Lee, Pei-Chih

Lee, Pei-Chih

Research Biologist

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Lee, Pei-Chih

Research Biologist

Pei-Chih Lee is a research biologist specialized in reproductive biology, biobanking, and assisted reproductive technologies. Her research seeks to develop and apply latest biotechnologies to reproductive studies and genome resource banking of rare and endangered species.

Background And Education

Education And Training

Public Biography

  • Pei-Chih Lee is a research biologist at the Center for Species Survival in Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. Lee’s research includes both basic and applied reproductive biology. She leads research focused on developing innovative approaches to preserve gametes, cells, and tissues, with the goal of making biobanking more accessible, sustainable, and effective for wildlife conservation. Her work incorporates nanotechnology and bioengineering approaches to improve the ability of gametes to withstand dehydration. Along with her collaborators, Lee has demonstrated the potential of applying microwave-assisted drying technique to the preservation of sperm, oocytes, and gonadal tissues using model species such as domestic cats, sheep, and pigs. Her broader research interests include understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate oocyte developmental competence, identifying potential biomarkers to improve assisted reproductive technologies, and improving species-specific biobanking approaches for wildlife conservation. 

    Lee plays a key role in coordinating and expanding the National Zoo’s biobanks that preserve valuable genetic resources from zoo and wild animal populations. These cryopreserved collections are great resources to study and sustain biodiversity. She also supported National Zoo’s breeding programs by participating in estrus monitoring, semen collection and artificial insemination of various species, ranging from salamanders to giant pandas.

    Lee earned her bachelor's degree in zoology and Master of Science in molecular medicine from National Taiwan University. She earned her doctorate in molecular biosciences from Northwestern University. She joined the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in 2012, where she works alongside Dr. Pierre Comizzoli to apply her expertise in molecular biology to the study of wildlife reproduction.

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