The University of Michigan (U-M) is set to become an even more enticing destination for top international Ph.D. candidates, thanks to a generous new fellowship. The initiative not only seeks to attract exceptional global talent but also provides crucial financial assistance to students in the College of Engineering’s doctoral program.
The James F. Lu World Fellows Program
With a $10 million donation from James Lu, an entrepreneur and U-M engineering alumnus, the James F. Lu World Fellows Program will offer extensive, multiyear financial support to international doctoral students. These students will engage in pioneering research in areas such as medicine, computing, artificial intelligence, and space technology.
“Attending University of Michigan provided me a platform from which I was able to launch my career as an entrepreneur building tech-focused businesses across a number of different industries,” stated Lu, co-founder and managing partner of Joffre Capital.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining competitive international grants and fellowships, indicating this program’s role in continuing to attract elite candidates to Michigan’s renowned engineering Ph.D. programs. In his view, U-M’s education is globally recognized, partly due to its expansive alumni network, thus augmenting the university’s reputation.
Furthermore, a 2025 study from the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics highlights that the majority of international Ph.D. graduates tend to stay in the United States for at least five years after finishing their studies, contributing significantly to the U.S. economy.
Impact and Future Aspirations
This fellowship aims not only to boost U-M’s allure for international scholars but also to encourage other benefactors to initiate similar programs university-wide, enhancing research talent acquisition across various fields.
“The strength of the U.S. research enterprise is fueled by Ph.D. students. The nation and University of Michigan have long benefited from our ability to draw top talent from across the globe,” commented Karen Thole, the Robert J. Vlasic Dean of Engineering. “This generous gift will help continue that tradition, as we work at Michigan Engineering to solve today’s pressing challenges and develop the next generation of engineering leaders.”
Over the next five years, the James F. Lu World Fellows Program will support up to 55 doctoral candidates, with up to $150,000 allocated per student. The inaugural group of fellows is scheduled to start in fall 2026, aligning with the 150th anniversary of U-M’s first Ph.D. award—a significant milestone in the history of public universities.
Looking ahead, Lu envisions extending this fellowship program to other divisions of U-M and to students pursuing various degree levels. His philanthropic contributions to U-M have previously aided scholarships and fellowships across several departments, including the College of Engineering, Medical School, Office of Financial Aid, and LSA.
James Lu’s Entrepreneurial Journey
James Lu’s entrepreneurial journey began at U-M while earning his master’s degree in electrical engineering and computer science. During his studies, he launched Yoolin, a Chinese social media platform, which laid the groundwork for further entrepreneurial endeavors, including the founding of Chegg, an educational tech firm that evolved from a textbook rental company to a comprehensive online study aid service.
Lu’s career trajectory also includes tenures as a software engineer at NASA, the founder and manager of Amazon Marketing Services—now known as Amazon Ads—and vice president of Baidu, a major Chinese internet company. In 2017, he co-founded Joffre Capital and remains an active member of the U-M Provost Advisory Committee.
