Jevon Hamilton

Degree Type: Bachelor of Science in Biology 
Next Steps: Pharmacy school, synthesizing drug compounds 
Hometown: Waldorf, Maryland

Jevon Hamilton came to Bowie State University as a standout football player, but after discovering that his true passion is in the classroom, he will be leaving as an academic all-star. Hamilton credits his success to the support of the Department of Natural Sciences and the Minority Association of Premedical Students. He is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and plans to attend pharmacy school, where he will focus his research on synthesizing drug compounds—a testament to Bowie State University’s commitment to nurturing talent on and off the field. 

As a student-athlete, Hamilton initially found it difficult to strike a balance between being the leader of the Bowie State football team and keeping up with the academic rigors of the biology major. 

“It was very hard. It was long nights on the football field and early mornings in the weight room. And I still had to find time to do homework and lab reports.” 

He eventually made the difficult decision to leave the football team and fully focus on his studies. It wasn’t an easy choice, but he felt called to cancer research in a way he never felt called to football. 

“I realized I wanted to score a victory for humanity. I’ve always been the first person to jump out of my skin to help somebody,” he said. 

With his focus fully on academics, Hamilton began looking at various opportunities to better prepare him for his career. Throughout his time at Bowie State, he was involved with the Minority Association of Premedical Students, where he served as the pharmaceutical lead. In this role, he helps other students prepare for pharmacy school while acting as a liaison between the club and pharmaceutical companies around the world. 

Impact of the Bowie State Experience 

While Hamilton focused on building his academic and professional experience in leadership, he also faced some personal and legal challenges that almost derailed his studies. He credits Alan Anderson, Ph.D., and the Department of Natural Sciences with helping him regain his focus. He admits he would have dropped out of school had it not been for one conversation with Dr. Anderson. 

“He basically said, ‘You’re not dropping out, kid. You’re going to be fine. I have a research opportunity for you," Hamilton said about his conversation with Dr. Anderson. 

Hamilton said having a respected researcher recognize and encourage his talent as a gifted chemist gave him the confidence he needed to fully dedicate himself to his work and take himself seriously as a professional, scientist and researcher. 

Shortly after, Dr. Anderson introduced Hamilton to immunotherapy and green chemistry, and he has since turned that exposure into a passion and a commitment to cancer research. He is actively focused on discovering new anticancer properties and contributing something meaningful and good to the world. 

Jevon Hamilton will graduate from Bowie State University in December 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and plans to attend pharmacy school, where he will focus his research on synthesizing drug compounds.