Pioneering veterinary scientist Margie Lee to deliver fall 2024 University Commencement address
Margie Lee '82, DVM '86, who transformed poultry health research and broke barriers in veterinary medicine, will deliver the keynote address at Virginia Tech's University Commencement ceremony on Friday, Dec. 20.
As associate dean for research and graduate studies at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Lee brings a unique perspective shaped by four decades of scientific innovation and a passion for pushing boundaries – both in the laboratory and on the racetrack.
Lee has been a trailblazer in education for the past four decades. Her pioneering research into the digestive microbiome of chickens resulted in two patents on diagnostic methods for pathogenic bacteria and enabled the poultry industry to implement antibiotic-free growth programs.
Her work revolutionized the industry by enabling antibiotic-free growth programs, earning her the 2023 Phibro Animal Health Excellence in Poultry Research Award for sustained excellence over two decades.
Lee is also the author or co-author of 92 peer-reviewed publications in scientific journals focusing on various aspects of microbial pathogenesis, molecular ecology and epidemiology, and diagnostic microbiology.
A Bedford County native, Lee was among the third graduating class and one of the first Black graduates of the veterinary college in 1986. Her journey began with two ponies and a dream during Virginia's school integration era, leading to a distinguished career that includes two patents for diagnostic methods in bacterial detection.
Before returning to her alma mater in 2018, Lee spent nearly three decades at the University of Georgia, where she earned her master's and doctoral degrees in medical microbiology while advancing to leadership positions.
When not leading research initiatives or serving on national scientific advisory boards, Lee can be found carving through turns at Talladega or Virginia International Raceway on her motorcycle.
Graduate School speakers
Two graduate students will speak during the school’s commencement ceremony. They plan to share thoughts about their graduate education journey. The short remarks are modeled on the Nutshell Games created by the Center for Communicating Science.
The students are: Elle Smith, who is receiving a master's degree in public administration, and Juselyn "Jus" Tupic, who is earning a doctoral degree in biomedical and veterinary sciences.
Visit Virginia Tech's commencement website for information and updates on fall commencement ceremonies.
