Spring Branch ISD Featured News

(Lee pictured fifth from left)

Jaheo Lee, a junior at Stratford High School and member of the Spring Branch Academic Institute (SBAI), is on a mission: to help others embrace and succeed in math. 

“Spring Branch Independent School District (SBISD) has inspired me to use math in a way that matters,” he said. “I want to help others find that same spark – and show them how far it can take them.” 

This passion is why he founded and runs the Stratford High School Math Club. He also created the Thornwood Math Club, a volunteer initiative that brings engaging math instruction to students in under-resourced communities. His goal is to reach students in low-income schools who haven’t had access to advanced math learning. 

“There’s a misconception that math is only for some people. But I’ve learned that with the right opportunity and support, anyone can master it,” he said. 

The accomplished and articulate 17-year-old also believes that math is much more than numbers on a page—it’s a language that can transform communities, connect cultures, and help solve real-world problems. 

“Math is all about taking abstract concepts and making them more tangible,” he said. “Math can help us solve problems we encounter every day.” 

This summer, Lee will have the opportunity to delve further into math, science, and engineering while attending the Research Science Institute at MIT. One of only three students in the state and only 100 across the country, Lee will study under the guidance of MIT faculty and graduate student mentors. 

“Being selected for RIS is an incredible honor — it’s a chance to challenge myself in ways I’ve only dreamed of. I’m excited to learn from some of the brightest minds in math, science, and engineering and to work on research that has real-world impact. It’s an opportunity not just to grow academically but to contribute meaningfully to the future of these fields.”

Upon arrival at RIS, Lee will have already accomplished what many of his peers are still striving toward — contributing original research to the academic community. With support from his teacher, Dillon Sexton, he collaborated with a professor at the University of Houston on a study exploring the intersection of number theory and abstract algebra, which appeared in the Journal of Discrete Mathematics.

Outside of his love for math, Lee is a talented musician who plays the piano and violin. Born in Korea, he naturally leans toward Korean music and loves blending it with classic tunes. He also shares his musical talent with an organization called “Music of Harmony,” a volunteer group that performs for senior centers and hospitals. 

When asked if his aptitude for math helped him with his music, he said it absolutely does. 

“Music and math go hand-in-hand,” he said. “Both require rhythm, timing, and creative thinking,” he said.  

Lee is also involved with the STEM Club, National Honor Society, and debate. He credits his involvement with the SBISD debate program in helping him to become a more confident public speaker and a compassionate leader. 

So, where does this accomplished young man go from here? Graduating in 2026, he has his sights set on studying applied mathematics, physics, and chemistry at one of his top-choice universities—Princeton or MIT. He is keen on a career in social science research, specifically mathematical modeling, to tackle complex issues like crowd control at concerts and large public events. 

Lee’s path is one of passion, purpose, and amazing possibility. Driven by a love of learning and a desire to give back, he inspires others to discover their potential and reach new heights.

#SBISDProud