The Erich W. Damm Memorial Award
When Karyme Garcia Lopez arrived at VCU at the beginning of 2020, she had trouble finding her place. Not only was the world reeling from a global health crisis, but Garcia Lopez, a native of Mexico, was still learning how to navigate a new country alongside college life. It was in a stem cell biology class, taught by Erich Damm, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Biology, that she found her guiding star. “I really loved Dr. Damm’s class – all the material he chose, the way that he taught,” said Garcia Lopez. “He was kind. And smart.”
Garcia Lopez became an assistant in Damm’s lab and stayed on to pursue a master’s degree in biology with his support. “Dr. Damm helped me a lot. He was an example of what I want to be. He gave me a place here. I don’t know where I would be now if it wasn’t for his help. He saw something in me that I didn’t know I saw in myself, and I will always be grateful.”
On September 21, 2023, Damm suddenly passed away at age 39 from a pulmonary embolism. His death was felt deeply by family, friends and colleagues in the Department of Biology, and especially by his students, who will always remember the young scientist who believed in them. His partner Joe Battistelli, Ph.D., a fellow assistant professor in the Department of Biology, said that Damm felt strongly about the student population at VCU. “VCU represented diversity and equity to Erich,” said Battistelli.
“Though he had other job offers, he chose to come to VCU because it was where he could make a difference in students’ lives. Erich helped break down barriers to success for students, faculty and the department as a whole.”
In memory of Damm, his mother, Catherine Wells, established a scholarship fund in his name at VCU. The Erich W. Damm Memorial Award supports budding researchers in stem cell and developmental biology – fields close to his heart. It was one of the funds available for support during VCU’s Giving Day 2024 and quickly raised more than $50K from faculty, staff, students, alumni and others, a testament to the legacy of such a kind and brilliant young man.
To support the Erich W. Damm Memorial Award, visit support.vcu.edu or contact Mary Riddick, senior director of development, at (757) 876-5075 or riddickm2@vcu.edu.