When Jacob Damrow came to Towson University all the way from Atlanta, he followed his first passion: the violin.  

But while he spent his first two years as a music performance major, he started to realize that music was more of a hobby. When he went to change his major, he remembered how much he loved his AP biology class in high school.

Music is an expression of emotion, but getting the technique down is very technical. I loved learning the minutia of how to make that instrument sing. It’s a science in a way

Jacob Damrow

This led him to the Fisher College of Science and Mathematics' environmental science program. He is now a proud two-time graduate of Towson University, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in environmental science.

For many, it may seem like a bit of an adjustment, moving from the world of music to studying samples in a lab. But for Damrow, there are a lot of similarities between the two. 

“Classical music you have to be analytical,” he says. “Music is an expression of emotion, but getting the technique down is very technical. I loved learning the minutia of how to make that instrument sing. It’s a science in a way.” 

Hitting the right notes in research

During his time at TU,  Damrow was part of chemistry professor John Sivey’s aquatic chemistry research group.

There he conducted research that involved using environmental applications of quantitative and instrumental analysis to study drinking water. It was taking part in this research program that pushed Damrow toward his new career in biology.

“Dr. Sivey is one of the best researchers at TU—no shade to anyone else because we have some amazing faculty within the Fisher College of Science and Mathematics,” Damrow laughs. “He has been incredibly instrumental to my career. I would not have been able to do anything if he had not been willing to take a chance on me.”

Jacob Damrow

Jacob Damrow '22, '24, credits his work in chemistry professor John Sivey's aquatic chemistry research group for helping grow his passion for environmental science. (Lauren Castellana/Towson University)

Through working with Sivey, Damrow found a passion for research and took unique opportunities to present at conferences such as the Conference in San Diego. 

There he was one of the few undergraduate students to stand at the front of the room.

“[Older presenters] were just getting started in their research, and I felt so privileged because I had more experience than some of them had,” he says. “I wouldn’t have got the experience I’ve had if I wasn’t at Towson University. It’s been such a blessing, being able to work and use what I’ve been learning in classes to expand the body of knowledge.”

Finding his Hogwarts 

After graduating with his master’s degree from TU, Damrow was awarded the and is earning his doctorate in environmental engineering from the University of Southern California.

Getting this opportunity has made it an emotional summer for Damrow, who never thought he would get one degree, let alone work toward a doctorate. He is neurodivergent, has been diagnosed with bipolar II disorder and has severe anxiety and a severe panic disorder.

Damrow credits his success to finding his community at Towson University—in the music department and on-campus Greek organizations, working with Housing and Residence Life and joining Sivey’s lab group.

The best way he can describe his journey is through Harry Potter, as he felt like Towson University was his Hogwarts.

I don't think I would've done any of the things I’ve done if it hadn't been for all the faculty and all the students I met along the way. With how things have shaken out, I think moving to Maryland and going to Towson has been the best decision I've made in my entire life.

Jacob Damrow