2018 Stupka Symposium

Dr. Virginia A. Zakian is the Harry C. Wiess Professor in the Life Sciences in the Department of Molecular Biology at Princeton University. After PhD research at Yale University, she did post doctoral research first at Princeton University and then the University of Washington, before starting her own lab in the Division of Basic Sciences at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. She joined the Princeton faculty in 1995.

Tony is a 2006 graduate of the ISU department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology. During his undergraduate studies, he worked in the laboratory of Dr. Reuben Peters, where he studied methods for engineering E. coli to produce complex diterpene molecules for chemical study. He was Rob Stupka’s lab partner for the BBMB capstone laboratory class in the fall of 2005, when Rob’s life was tragically cut short.

Matt is 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.

Drew is a fifth year Iowa State student pursuing concurrent Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in biochemistry. He currently works with the Campbell/Nikolau lab group, where he investigates the Arabidopsis Qua-Quinine-Starch gene and its impact on carbon-nitrogen partitioning in yeast. After graduating from Iowa State, Drew plans to continue his education and pursue a doctorate in biochemistry.

Jena is currently a senior at Iowa State pursuing a major in biochemistry and a minor in Spanish. She is currently researching in Dr. Basil Nikolau’s laboratory studying the spatial distribution of metabolites in mutant forms of Arabidopsis thaliana flowers using mass spectrometry imaging. Jena is a piccolo section guide in the marching band, and has been a member for four years. She is also involved in pep band and her sorority. After graduation, Jena plans on attending optometry school.

Bailey 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 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 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 is 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.