Graduate Student Awarded Funding from TYLENOL and Canadian Nursing Foundation: Breathing New Life into Pediatric Research

Undergoing surgery for scoliosis as a child changed Lily Lu’s life in more ways than she could have imagined. 

Over the course of the week she was in the pediatric hospital, she got to know one of her nurses quite well. Lu recalls the nurse being really funny and kind, and someone who inspired her to pursue nursing.

“Growing up, I always wanted to do something in medical science, but it was kind of hard to get to know a lot of healthcare professions, because we didn't have a hospital in our small town,” says Lu, who is currently completing her masters in nursing. “I didn't really know much about nursing.”

Lu, who is set to graduate next spring, is one of 19 students across the country who received funding through the Canadian Nurses Foundation and TYLENOL’s Fund to Advance Diversity in Nursing and Health Equity Research for Black, Indigenous and People of Colour. 

“We are delighted that Lily has been singled out to achieve this national recognition,” says Diane Kunyk, acting dean of nursing. “She is known to be a remarkable student and we look forward to seeing her future successes as she continues to advocate for women and children’s health.” 

The scholarship has helped fund Lu’s graduate research on pediatric non-invasive ventilation (NIV) devices, which support breathing through apparatuses like oxygen masks or other headgear. Her research emphasizes the importance of proper timing for mask fitting and headgear adaptation for children using CPAP or BiPAP machines, which help treat sleep apnea and other conditions that may impact people's breathing.

Lu’s research will mean future planning and resource allocation will be more targeted and can help reduce short and long-term complications, such as cardiology or pulmonary defects.

While her research topic may not tend to be prominently featured, Lu says its impact is immense for the families who need it. There are no current guidelines focusing on the timing of mask fitting and headgear for pediatric patients who require NIV therapy, and Lu hopes discoveries made will help build foundational knowledge currently lacking in the pediatric field. 

Ultimately, Lu’s priority is enhancing quality of care for children and their families. “I did my preceptorship during my undergrad at the Stollery,” she recalls. She also connects with pediatric patients from her own experience as a child. “I really loved the pediatric environment.”

Lu has always been involved in supporting marginalized communities in the nursing industry, but funding from TYLENOL has allowed her to explore innovative ways to improve the health outcomes of underrepresented communities. 

She first began to really understand how important diversity is to create a strong industry when she was a teaching assistant during her undergrad, supporting incoming Indigenous nursing students.

Since starting her masters, her appreciation of diverse backgrounds has only grown.

“As an immigrant, receiving this funding has made me feel valued and included,” she says. “I believe this scholarship has the potential to create a ripple effect, as it empowers students like me to make a positive impact.”

Lu plans to continue making waves in the medical field, hoping to pursue a PhD in the future. She is interested in how knowledge translation can make basic health knowledge more accessible to the general public, and specifically supporting new immigrants. “There’s a lot of research being done, but people don’t know much about it, or how it affects them,” says Lu. 

But for now, she is proud to continue her work improving the lives of her patients at the Stollery. 

“The Faculty of Nursing is immensely grateful to funding partners like the Canadian Nurses Foundation and TYLENOL Canada for their continued support of nursing leaders,” says Kunyk. 

“I never thought I would have the opportunity to receive such recognition and financial support for my academic pursuits,” says Lu. “This scholarship has given me the resources and confidence to become a better nursing researcher and healthcare practitioner. I am incredibly thankful.”