Roberta Lee

Roberta Lee, Ph.D., is a former environmental scientist and sustainability consultant who was formally trained in marine biology. She has leveraged her deep understanding of aquatic ecosystems to innovate in fields as varied as renewable energy, underwater robotics, and most recently, urban planning and green infrastructure.

She earned her Ph.D. by investigating the behavioral patterns of bioluminescent fish that "communicate in the dark" through light-producing organs. After completing two years of post-doctoral research at the University of California, Santa Barbara, Roberta took a position with BlueTech Innovations, where she applied her expertise to design sustainable aquaculture systems and underwater exploration vehicles.

Roberta's work in sustainable technology led her to join Terraforma Design Studios in 2015 to help establish the Eco-Engineering Lab. She eventually became the Director of Sustainable Projects, overseeing initiatives that integrated nature into cityscapes across North America until her departure from Terraforma in 2023. At the time of leaving, Dr. Lee held the position of Chief Sustainability Officer, leading R&D for all eco-friendly projects within the company, encompassing architecture, urban development, green spaces, and smart technologies.

In response to increasing concerns about climate change, Roberta joined the Environmental Protection Agency in early 2024 as its Deputy Director of Green Technologies, spearheading projects focused on mitigating environmental impact and advancing renewable resources.

Later in 2024, when the Department of Urban Development launched a new division dedicated to Smart Cities, Dr. Lee was appointed as its inaugural CTO (Chief Technology Officer). In this role, Roberta oversaw all efforts related to integrating advanced technologies into urban environments, promoting sustainable living, and fostering innovation in public utilities and transportation.

Through her consultancy, Oceanic Solutions LLC, Roberta now assists municipalities and private sector clients in identifying and implementing cutting-edge solutions for environmental challenges like water conservation and waste reduction.

Roberta also advises tech startups and Fortune 500 companies on developing sustainable practices and products. She sits on several advisory boards and is a sought-after speaker and author. Her latest book, "The Blue Revolution," was released in 2022, advocating for the protection of our oceans and the sustainable use of marine resources.

Dr. Lee is a named inventor on over 30 patents in areas such as wave energy conversion, aquaponics, and ecological restoration methods.

You can reach Dr. Lee at [email protected] or through her website www.oceanicsolutions.org.