Déja Lee holds a preserved human brain during the CNLM Irvine Summer Institute in Neuroscience
Hoops and Brains
Déja Lee’s Journey as a Basketball Star and Aspiring Neurosurgeon
At UC Irvine, student-athletes are celebrated not only for their athletic prowess but also for their commitment to academic and career goals. Among these exceptional individuals is Déja Lee—a basketball star and aspiring neurosurgeon.
This summer, Déja took her passion for neuroscience to a new level by participating in the Irvine Summer Institute in Neuroscience at the UC Irvine Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory. Working under the mentorship of MD/PhD candidate Bianca Leonard in Dr. Michael Yassa’s laboratory, Déja embarked on a research project exploring how early life experiences shape resilience. Using data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, she focused specifically on young Black girls, analyzing how factors such as adversity influence their brain development and mental health outcomes.
Reflecting on her time in the lab, Déja shared, “My favorite part has been learning new skills, like data analysis in R, and finding meaningful ways to represent our findings.” The experience not only expanded her scientific skills but also introduced her to a vibrant community of researchers. “Being part of a diverse cohort, including HBCU students and Black scholars, has been one of the most inspiring parts of my journey,” she says.
Her research mentor, CNLM Director Dr. Michael Yassa reflects, "Déja's intellectual curiosity and drive have been inspiring to witness. Her research has already contributed valuable insights, and I'm excited to see where her journey takes her."
Beyond her academic achievements, Déja—or DJ, as she is affectionately called by her teammates—continues to be a force on the basketball court. She ended the season last year with three Big West accolades – Player of the Year, Championship MVP, and First Team. Her coaches and teammates speak to her leadership, resilience, and focus, qualities that make her a true standout in all areas.
Déja Lee mid layup during the 2024 NCAA tournament.
“DJ is what I would define as a generational player—her dedication to both academics and basketball is truly remarkable. Balancing these two commitments is no easy task.” says UC Irvine Women’s Basketball Head Coach Tamara Inoue. “Outsiders see her infectious smile and her ability to perform under the lights, but they often don’t see the sacrifices she makes to excel in both arenas. I’m grateful to be one of the few who gets to be a part of and witness her incredible journey here at UCI.”
Déja’s teammate Olivia Williams, shares, “DJ is an inspiration for sure, she gets it done on and off the court. UCI has such a strong academic reputation, a degree earned from UCI takes effort, intelligence and passion, especially when you add in the demands of the basketball season. She is a great teammate who I really value.”
The 2024-2025 UC Irvine Women’s Basketball season has begun! Join us on the court to support Déja and her teammates and to defend the Bren! Check out the game schedule here.
Learn more about the UC Irvine Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory at cnlm.uci.edu.
For media inquires, please contact Dr. Manuella Oliveira Yassa at (949) 824-5193 or manuella.yassa@uci.edu.