By Katrina Hageman
The Stupka Symposium, an event that has touched the lives of many, will celebrate its 20th anniversary on April 9-10. Over the years, hundreds of students have had the opportunity to present their research, assist in planning and continue keeping the legacy of Stupka Symposium alive.
Stupka's beginnings
Planning for the first event started in 2005 by a small biochemistry student group led by Rob Stupka, along with Tony Cyr, Claire Kruesel, Adam Krupicka and Jordan Witmer.
“The group wanted to create something special, and they sure did,” said Desiree Gunning, former biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology program coordinator and Stupka mentor. “It was a simple idea of having a platform for undergraduate students to get involved in research and share it amongst their peers and departmental colleagues. This type of event had not been done before, so the group created it completely from scratch.”
“In fall 2005, Rob pitched the idea of a micro-symposium that featured undergraduate research and brought in keynote speakers from other institutions,” said Claire Kruesel, BBMB student services specialist and current Stupka advisor. “He put in countless hours researching potential speakers.”
Before the first symposium took place in the spring of 2006, Stupka unexpectedly passed away from a pedestrian-vehicle accident on campus. His loss significantly impacted the BBMB community at Iowa State University.
“It was amazing that the first symposium was even held,” Gunning said.
In Stupka’s honor, the inaugural symposium, which was initially conceived as a one-time event, was named the Stupka Symposium.
"Naming the Symposium after Rob couldn't be more fitting,” Kruesel said. “Back then, the Biochemistry Club was dwindling in membership, and as president, Rob made it his mission to revive the group. We outreached to local schools and started a monthly BBMB Breakfast Club that continues to this day.”
“When he passed during the event's planning, there was no question we would continue with the vision and name it after him,” Kruesel said. “I don't think he necessarily envisioned that it would continue past that first year, and seeing it evolve into an ever-expanding annual event has been truly inspiring."
In 2007, Gaya Amarasinghe, former Stupka advisor, saw the symposium as something extraordinary when he first arrived at Iowa State. With the help of Gunning, they made it a priority to establish funding, student recruitment and support, which is a significant reason why the program has thrived for so many years.
“Within four years of Rob's passing, the students who were making things happen for the symposium never knew Rob, never met him; they only heard and felt his impact,” Gunning said. “They had a sense for the legacy that this young man left, and it meant a great deal to every single student who got involved with the symposium planning.”
“It’s amazing to see the ownership that students have for this event, and it means so much more when you’re doing it together and have a mission to make it successful and continue to make it successful today, tomorrow and for the future,” she said.
Bob and Diane Stupka, Rob Stupka’s parents, have been at every symposiu m since 2006.
“Rob’s parents have dedicated time, effort and financial support for the continuation of the legacy that bears Rob’s name,” Gunning said. They are so proud of what the Stupka Symposium represents, and they are certain that Rob will never be forgotten.”
Celebrating 20 years
This year, 70 undergraduate students are involved on the Stupka Symposium planning committee. Led by co-chairs Tristan Weers, senior in biochemistry and genetics, and Elizabeth Dougherty, senior in biochemistry, the students have put in countless hours to plan an event that showcases the legacy of the Stupka Symposium. They have added two new components to the event – expanding the event from one day to two days and adding Stupka spotlight speeches.
The spotlight speeches are an opportunity for undergraduates to summarize their research in three minutes. This experience allows students to practice explaining complex research in an understandable way, including sharing its importance and impact.
“A big part I have taken away from being involved with Stupka is the collaboration with other students and people,” Weers said. “It’s fully undergraduate-run, and the influx of new ideas and perspectives every year, and coordination with everyone to put together a tangible event, is a valuable part outside of the research.”
Over the years, the Stupka Symposium has helped students build their research and communications skills.
“Many students present research from freshman to senior year, and they eventually work their way up to a speech,” Dougherty said. “You can see every level that someone is doing research at, and it is very inspiring to see how people improve. It’s very motivating for undergraduate students to see someone who was in their shoes and has worked their way up.”
“Stupka gives undergraduate students the opportunity to present research about something they are passionate about and relate what they are doing in a lab to a wider audience,” Weers said.
Any student with a passion and commitment for research is welcome to join a Stupka committee, be involved in a leadership role, present a research poster or take part in organizing the many details that go into a successful event.
“There isn’t a barrier to being involved with Stupka,” Weers said. “You’re able to get as involved and take as much out of the experience as you want and can easily move up to leadership positions if you are interested.”
Learn more about this year’s event, including registration information, schedule, list of speakers and more, on the 2026 Stupka Symposium website. Registration is free and open to the public. Prospective students and guests who do not have science backgrounds are welcome to attend. Lunch and dinner will be served to those who register.
“This year, we have a really good lineup of presenters and keynote speakers,” Weers said. “We think this event is very special, and we want to share it with as many people as we can.”