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Harold R. “Harry” Strang retired in 2008 after 39 years as a professor at the University of Virginia’s School of Education and Human Development. As a scholar and a teacher, he never forgot how meaningful it was to receive support for his early-stage research pursuits. Later, after suffering a traumatic brain injury, he couldn’t forget the compassionate, lifesaving care he received at UVA Health.
To pay it forward, Harry and his wife, Alice, created an estate plan to establish an endowment for the Strang Neuroscience Research Award, aiming to generate seed funding for early-career scientists studying traumatic brain injuries, stem cell therapies, and Alzheimer’s disease.
In a prior interview, Harry talked about his vision for the fund: “I was supported and given the opportunity to follow my dreams at UVA, and Alice and I want to give back now and make it possible for other junior researchers to follow their dreams,” he said.
Harry and Alice were so motivated by their goal of supporting promising young neuroscientists that they began funding the endowment during their lifetimes. The endowment was fully established in 2023, shortly after Harry’s passing. The first Strang Neuroscience Research Awards were given in 2024.
Although Harry didn’t live to see the results of his generosity, Alice has ensured that the couple’s gift reflects Harry’s lifelong commitment to human development and learning, as well as his belief in helping others realize their potential.
“Even until a week before his death, he had moments of lucidity and would be laser-focused on the endowment,” said Alice Strang (Ed ’79), who received her master’s degree at UVA. “He was passionate about it.”
Harry had suffered a traumatic brain injury during his retirement. He’d been enjoying his woodworking hobby, crafting furniture, when he had an unfortunate accident with a saw. “It was just a goose egg at first, but he ended up with a subdural hematoma and a long-term recovery,” Alice said.
The treatment Harry received at UVA Health impressed them.
“The excellence, dedication, and compassion of UVA’s neurosurgeons and team for Harry’s brain injury stayed with us,” said Alice. “Our interest in giving to the School of Medicine began with our personal experience with the superb doctors, nurses, and other caregivers at UVA.”
Though Alice is quick to say the endowment was Harry’s idea, she recalled that he always referred to it as “our endowment.” Today, she continues to steward that vision—both as a funder and, unexpectedly, as a friend to one of its first recipients.
Lulu Jiang, MD, PhD, a neuroscientist originally from Shandong Province, China, was among the first recipients of the Strang Neuroscience Research Award. An assistant professor in the Department of Neuroscience, Lulu joined the School of Medicine in 2023, launching her independent lab focused on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. She said she was attracted to UVA because of its strong, collaborative culture and commitment to neuroscience research.
“The University’s support for interdisciplinary innovation and its vibrant neurodegeneration research community make it an ideal environment for my work,” said Lulu.
The Strang research award has provided a further boost. “It’s more than financial support—it’s a vote of confidence in early-career scientists and ambitious ideas. Knowing that the fellowship was created to support junior investigators and research that serves real human needs—especially for vulnerable populations—adds deep personal meaning. I’m proud to be part of the Strang legacy and a community that values both scientific excellence and impact,” said Lulu.
The award helped Lulu and her team develop a 3D neuron-glial brain assembloid model that better replicates human brain function, supporting future work in precision medicine and the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
“The support has been essential for generating preliminary data and pursuing bold, innovative ideas that position us for larger federal grants,” she said.
Alice first met Lulu at a luncheon for award recipients and said the young researcher is more than just talented and extremely qualified. “She’s warm, she’s sweet, enthusiastic, and energetic. I can’t say enough good things about her,” said Alice.
Meeting Alice was similarly inspiring, said Lulu. “I learned more about her late husband’s legacy and their shared mission to support research with real-world impact—especially for veterans, children, and aging populations. Alice’s interest in our work and her encouragement of innovation in the stem cell field were especially meaningful to me.”
Alice and Lulu stay in contact, occasionally exchanging messages about science and life. “I was expecting my daughter when we first met, and Alice’s warm wishes have stayed with me and my baby girl ever since,” said Lulu.
This past May, Alice brought her own daughter, Dana, along for a visit to Lulu’s lab.
“It was a joyful and meaningful experience for my team and me. We were proud to show Alice and Dana our organoid research and share how their support is directly driving innovation. We look forward to keeping Alice updated with our progress, including publications, poster presentations, and discoveries. I feel deeply grateful for this long-term connection,” said Lulu.
Said Alice, “It was fascinating to see the science, even though sometimes I didn’t quite know what I was looking at. However, there was an overwhelming amount of energy and excitement from the experience. One thing I know is Harry would have loved Lulu.”
The Strang Neuroscience Research Award carries forward the vision of a teacher, scholar, and mentor who believed deeply in investing in the next generation.
“Harry knew what a difference that kind of support could make,” Alice said. “And through this endowment, that difference is still being made—every day.”
