Our Crowdfunding Groups
The Stupka Undergraduate Research Symposium came from the mind of Robert "Rob" J. Stupka III (picture to the right), an undergraduate student, in the fall of 2005. He and his fellow classmates worked to turn this idea into a reality; however, Rob would not see the symposium he worked so fervently to plan. On November 30, 2005, his life ended after a pedestrian vehicle accident in front of the Molecular Biology Building. Rob envisioned the symposium to be an opportunity for undergraduate students to showcase their research and experience the need for communication in science. Rob's contagious enthusiasm drove his classmates to hold the first symposium in the spring of 2006; the enthusiasm has never gone away. Undergraduates, inspired by Rob's vision and story, have continued to lead and plan 11 consecutive, annual symposia.
Each year, the undergraduates who plan the symposium do their best to leave their legacy on this tradition and fulfill Rob's vision. At the symposium, around 40 undergraduate students are given the opportunity to present a poster showcasing their research, and several students are chosen to present their research in a keynote presentation. Additionally, the planning committee chooses two scientists from across the country and one alumni to verbally present their research. The symposium has evolved to give undergraduate students the most opportunities to interact with each other and the invited speakers to discuss science- this happens through a day filled with open-house poster sessions and a candid breakfast and lunch. With each symposium, we see a rise in attendance; last year, we had nearly 200 students, faculty, and other scientists join us.
You're reading this because we need your help. One of our greatest (both in priority and cost) expenses is associated with our outside speakers. We pay for their travel, hotel, and food costs- this comes to about $2,500 for our speakers. The speakers give all attendees, especially undergraduate students, unique opportunities and experiences: an opportunity to learn about other topics in biochemistry that they normally wouldn't hear about in class or in their own labs, a chance to personally speak with the speakers, and to experience the environment of a professional conference. Thank you for your consideration for supporting this symposium!
If you would like to know more about us, please visit our website: https://stupka.bb.iastate.edu/. If you have any questions, please scroll up and find the emails for Morgan, Jeff, or Alex in the biographies.
