Graduate Nutrition Student Receives BU’s Lu Lingzi Scholarship

Shilu Wang (Sargent ’25), a Sargent graduate student in the Master of Science in Nutrition program, has been selected as a recipient of the prestigious 2024 Lu Lingzi Scholarship.

The Lu Lingzi Scholarship commemorates the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences student from BU’s Class of 2013, who was one of three people killed in the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings. Created by the BU Board of Trustees and donors from the University and around the world, the scholarship provides tuition remission and a stipend to an international student studying for a master’s degree.

“The Lu Lingzi Scholarship is a valuable opportunity for me to fulfill my dream of becoming a registered dietitian,” said Wang. “The scholarship has allowed me to focus on academics and enhance my nutrition skills through hands-on experience at BU’s unique nutrition simulation labs and practicum. Upon becoming a registered dietitian, I hope to further my expertise in the clinical field with efforts to promote cultural diversity in nutrition treatments.”

Wang earned her BS in nutritional sciences and dietetics from Sargent College with minors in both biology and public health. Throughout her studies, she demonstrated an unwavering commitment to gaining more experience in the practice dietetics. She completed her undergraduate practicum at Boston Medical Center in the fast-paced medical intensive care unit. As an undergraduate, she also worked as a dietetic research technician in the metabolic research unit at Massachusetts General Hospital where she learned protocol implementation to deliver and monitor adherence to research diets. At the same time, she worked as an EMT in BU Student Health Services, performing clinical assessment and triage tasks, and as a nutrition assistant at Brigham & Women’s Faulkner Hospital where she developed a deeper empathy for the patient experience and expanded her clinical mindset. As part of her master’s degree, Wang earned acceptance to the prestigious Massachusetts MGH Dietetic Internship, one of Sargent’s clinical training partner programs.

“Shilu embodies the spirit of what the Lu Lingzi scholarship seeks to recognize,” said Sargent College Dean Jack Dennerlein. “Her interpersonal toolkit, generosity as a colleague, leadership attributes, and positive mindset are integral contributors to her professional capacity and strong work ethic. There is no doubt that she will be a rising star in her field, capable of significant professional impact.”

Wang’s motivation for studying dietetics is rooted in personal experiences of chronic disease, suffering, and premature death of beloved family members. Growing up in Fuzhou, China, she lost grandparents at a young age to cardiovascular disease and cancer. Witnessing the absence of nutrition care in the management of debilitating illness, including in palliative care, inspired her to pursue a career as a registered dietitian. She is optimistic that her professional contributions will make a holistic and meaningful difference in the lives of her patients and their families.

“Having seen people struggling with the burden of disease, I am dedicated to applying evidence-based, culturally sensitive nutritional therapies to help people achieve their individual treatment goals,” said Wang. “I hope to cherish the opportunities and embody the ideals that this scholarship seeks to provide international students.”