The Stupka Undergraduate Research Symposium (Stupka UGRS) is entirely organized and run by Iowa State University undergraduate students. Its goal is to showcase undergraduate research alongside keynote and alumni speakers. Originating in 2005 as a project of the Biochemistry Undergraduate Majors Club in the Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology (BBMB), the event has evolved to a separate club that welcomes committee members from any major while focusing on research in biochemistry and related sciences.
This event was the inspiration of Robert John Stupka III, an undergraduate student majoring in biochemistry at Iowa State University. Rob believed in the power of research, allowing the extraordinary to be possible, and strived to connect students and faculty for the purpose of elevating scientific investigation.