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Hugh Lyu – Plant Studies (2012-2015), and Master of Science (2017-2020)

Hugh Lyu, originally from Fujian, China completed his undergraduate studies and master’s degree at Dalhousie’s Agricultural Campus. Hugh started his studies at Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University (FAFU) and learned about Dalhousie through the 2+2 Program – a partnership between Dalhousie University and FAFU that allows students to complete the last two years of the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture program at Dalhousie.

In his third year, Hugh moved from China to Nova Scotia to complete the remainder his degree.

“I was in the horticulture program when I was in China and when I came to Dal I chose Plant Science. It was one of the best decisions I made in my life. When I was a teenager, I knew I wanted to study in a different city far away from home. I never thought I would go to a different continent, but I did.”

Hugh developed a passion for nature and plants at a young age.

“My grandparents had some farmlands near their summer home in Fujian and I spent a lot of time there when I was a kid. That’s where I got my interest in plants and nature and agriculture, as there are many different farms in the area.”

“Before deciding to come to Dalhousie, we had some students from the Agricultural Campus come to FAFU for their summer study and I learned a lot from them about Nova Scotia and Dalhousie.”

Hugh graduated from Dalhousie in 2015 with his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Plant Science) and then started his Master of Science (2017-2020), focusing on vegetation management in wild blueberry production. Just before graduation, he accepted a position with Perennia Food and Agriculture Inc., as a Wild Blueberry Specialist.

“This job offers so many opportunities for me to grow. It requires a broad range of knowledge to help wild blueberry producers on their farms. It has really developed my communication and interpersonal skills; through the work that I do, I have gotten to know Nova Scotia so well.”

Some of Hugh’s career accomplishments include two published papers, working with one of the most important Agriculture industries in the province and launching a podcast for the wild blueberry industry.

Hugh has grown to love Nova Scotia, and although he doesn’t have any family here, he says that the friends he made throughout his studies have become his Canadian family. “I have classmates from the AC who invite me to their Thanksgiving and other holiday dinners. The relationships I made during my time at the Agricultural campus I will have forever. The Agricultural Campus will always be a home to me – it was my first Canadian home and where I spent eight amazing years.”

In his eight years on campus, Hugh participated in a wide variety of volunteer opportunities and student clubs, such as Dalhousie Agricultural Association of Graduate Students, Open House, Residence House Council, Health Services, Woodsman Club, Shinerama and overseas projects like Agricultural Transformation Through Stronger Vocational Education.

In addition to volunteer and extracurricular activities, Hugh also held a variety of jobs on campus, including the library, IT, Department of Plant, Food, and Environmental Sciences, the Langille Athletics Centre, Dean’s office, International office (FAFU Coordinator) and the student success centre.  Hugh says he was fortunate to be a part of so many employment and extracurricular opportunities on campus.

When asked about advice for first year students, Hugh says, “Be open-minded: the Agricultural Campus is so diverse and there are many friendly and knowledgeable people available to support you. So don’t be shy and ask for support!”