2018 Stupka Scholars

Bailey Mooney is currently a junior at Iowa State majoring in Biochemistry and Genetics with a minor in Philosophy. Her research in Dr. Trimarchi’s lab is focusing on six different types of neurons produced that later make retina tissue and how the development is controlled by a variety of genetic factors. Bailey is the President of the Genetics Club, Secretary of the Biochemistry Biophysics and Molecular Biology Club, Treasurer Chair of the Stupka Symposium Planning Committee, Biochemistry Biophysics and Molecular Biology Learning Community Peer Mentor, Honors Ambassador, and serves as a volunteer at Mary Greeley Medical Center Emergency Department. Bailey plans on continuing her education in medical school after she graduates Iowa State.


Emily Knuth is currently a junior at Iowa State pursuing a major in Agricultural Biochemistry with minors in Agronomy and Nutrition. Emily is currently involved in research in Dr. Adam Barb’s laboratory where she is studying fabH, a key enzyme in fatty acid synthesis. Emily is an undergraduate instructional assistant for BBMB 102, fundraising chair for the Stupka Symposium Planning Committee, and outreach chair for the BBMB club. After graduating, Emily plans to attend graduate school to pursue a PhD.


Jacqueline Ehrlich is currently a sophomore studying Agricultural Biochemistry with a minor in nutrition. Since the beginning of her life as a Cyclone, she has enjoyed researching in the Zabotina lab, focusing on substrate binding in the active site of xyloglucan xylosyltransferase I. Outside of class and lab, Jacqueline is a B&B peer mentor, co-chair for the Breakfast Club, and Publicity committee chair. She has also recently been honored with an exciting title as the Iowa State Fair Queen. Following graduation, Jacqueline plans to pursue a doctorate in nutritional biochemistry.


Matt Cook s a senior double-majoring in Biochemistry and Genetics with minors in Spanish and Mathematics. He has worked as an undergraduate research assistant in Dr. Olga Zabotina’s lab since the spring of 2015 studying enzymes involved in plant cell wall synthesis. He is the vice president of the BBMB Club, the Sponsorship Chair of the Stupka Symposium Planning Committee, and an instructional associate for BBMB 102. Matt plans on pursuing a Ph.D. in structural biology after graduating this spring.