ENG Grad Student Found Dead
Alfred Huang, a “warm and generous person,” worked as a zookeeper
A College of Engineering graduate student was found dead in his Somerville apartment on Wednesday, October 12. Alfred Huang, who was studying for a master’s degree in materials science and engineering, was a popular student whose love of animals led to a job as a zookeeper at Zoo New England’s Stone Zoo, in Stoneham.
BU Police Department Captain Robert Molloy says Huang’s death is being investigated by Somerville police, who are working closely with the BUPD. He says that Huang, who was last seen by his roommate on Saturday, October 8, does not appear to have been a victim of foul play.
Huang (CAS’03, ENG’12), a native of Mountain Top, Pa., earned an undergraduate degree in biology, with a specialty in marine science.
Elizabeth Flagg, manager of graduate programs in the College of Engineering, who counseled Huang about his course work, says he was a rare and curious student.
“Alfred was a really warm and generous person,” says Flagg. “He had a beautiful smile and a twinkle in his eye.”
Soumendra Basu, an ENG professor of mechanical engineering and associate head of the materials science division, says Huang was enrolled in the LEAP program, which enables students with nonengineering backgrounds to pursue graduate degrees in engineering.
“He caught on really fast,” says Basu. “He was a bright kid, and he was very active and always seemed happy.”
Basu says Huang was the treasurer of the BU chapter of the Materials Information Society (ASM), and proved to be a very successful recruiter of new members.
Grief counseling is available with Marsh Chapel chaplains and at Student Health Services. Chaplains can be reached at 617-353-3560. SHS counselors can be reached at 617-353-3575. A 24-hour counseling hotline is available at 617-353-3569.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, at Keefe’s Funeral Home, 2175 Mass Ave., Cambridge. A Buddhist service will follow at noon.
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