Dee returns to Champaign after 12 years of gaining experience in community-engaged research, teaching, and service. They arrive most recently from Rhode Island, after completing a Master's degree on urban food and nutrition environments at Brown University.

Dee has previously worked as the food safety coordinator for Equal Exchange, served as a council member of the Urban Greens food co-op, and has volunteered as a Master Gardener with Rhode Island Extension and as a chemistry teacher with Teach for America in Los Angeles.