About Stupka Symposium and How You Can Help

What is the Stupka Symposium?

The Stupka Undergraduate Research Symposium was pioneered by Robert “Rob” J. Stupka III, an undergraduate student, in the Fall semester of 2005. Rob envisioned this symposium as an opportunity for undergraduate students to showcase their research experiences and communicate with other like-minded scientists. Alongside his classmates, he fervently worked to make this idea a reality, but Rob would not see the symposium he had planned come to fruition. On November 30th, 2005, Rob passed away after a pedestrian accident in front of the Molecular Biology Building.  

Rob’s contagious enthusiasm drove his classmates to hold the first Stupka Symposium, named in his honor, in the Spring semester of 2006. This enthusiasm has never waned, and each year the Stupka Committee continues to build on Rob’s legacy as a pioneer in undergraduate presentation and networking at Iowa State. Inspired by Rob’s vision and story, the Stupka Committee is pleased to announce this year’s 20^th Annual Stupka Undergraduate Research Symposium, a special two-day event with more opportunities for undergraduate students than ever before!

Welcome to the 20^th Annual Stupka Symposium

Each year, the undergraduate students who plan the Stupka Symposium do their best to leave their legacy on this tradition and fulfill Rob’s vision. This year is no different! At this year’s symposium, nearly 40 undergraduate students will be given the opportunity to present and compete in a poster competition, showcasing their research. Five additional student researchers have been selected to present their research orally.

Each year, the Stupka Committee brings in renowned scientists and an alum speaker to present their research. This year, the committee has invited three scientists: Dr. Jennifer Bridwell-Rabb at the University of Michigan, Dr. Liam Holt at New York University School of Medicine, and Dr. Samuel Sternberg at Columbia University. These researchers will deliver highly anticipated keynote presentations on their work, as well as meet with and join undergraduate students in discussion throughout the day.

The Stupka Symposium has evolved over the years, expanding the opportunities that undergraduate students receive to interact with their peers, alumni, and keynote speakers. Through a two-day event, the 20^th Annual Stupka Symposium aims to expand this frontier, offering more opportunities than ever before. The Stupka Committee is pleased to announce that the 20^th Annual Stupka Symposium will continue to host hallmark discussions, continued alumni and keynote interaction, and a virtual student-alumni shortly before the symposium.

We look forward to seeing the impact of Rob’s vision grow each year!

Why Should I Donate?

The Stupka Committee is excited to welcome students, faculty, alumni, and visitors back as we host this year’s highly anticipated event. However, we need your help to make this year’s symposium possible.

• As always, the committee provides free registration, abstract submission, meals, and parking for speakers and attendees.
• Your support allows us to welcome renowned keynote and alumni speakers who elevate the symposium. These speakers give all attendees, and especially undergraduates, the unique opportunity to learn about niche topics in biochemistry that they may not learn elsewhere.
• Contributions to this FundISU project will help grow our endowment, ensuring we can continue to offer these highly valuable opportunities and experiences at future symposia and events.

The Stupka Undergraduate Research Symposium is entirely student-driven, requiring extensive time commitments from many undergraduate students involved in the Stupka Committee. Your support helps these students focus on the most important aspects of hosting the Stupka Symposium: supporting undergraduate research!

Know that any support you provide will not only fund the basic operational costs of such a complex event but also help us improve the Stupka Symposium for years to come.

Thank you for your support of the Rob Stupka Symposium!

If you would like to know more about us, please visit our website: https://stupka.bb.iastate.edu/. If you have any questions, feel free to contact anyone under the "Project Owners" section on this page -- our email addresses are available if you click on our pictures.