Tricia Lee earned a Master of Science in marine biology from San Francisco State University in 2016. Her research focused on biogeochemical cycling and microbial communities in the San Francisco Bay-Delta ecosystems. Upon graduation, Lee interned at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center and lectured at the California Maritime Academy.
During her fellowship with the Delta Science Program, Lee supported the efforts of the Independent Science Board in providing analysis of the best available science to inform management.