Women in Science & Engineering presents

Norma Slepecky Symposium 2026

A full day of research, discovery, and recognition, bringing together students and faculty from across New York.

● Friday, October 23, 2026● Drumlins Country Club, Syracuse

Now in its third decade and expanding to a regional event, the symposium celebrates outstanding research and honors the legacy of a scientist who championed the next generation.

The Day

What to expect

Keynote addressA distinguished national leader in engineering.Student researchPoster presentations and thesis pitches.Panel & talksA faculty talk and a panel discussion.Prizes & awardsRecognizing exceptional research.

2026 Keynote SpeakerDr. Lola Eniola-AdefesoDean, College of Engineering, University of Illinois Chicago • President, AIMBEA chemical and biomedical engineer with more than 25 years of experience, Dr. Eniola-Adefeso is the 10th dean of the UIC College of Engineering. Recognized internationally for her work on vascular-targeted drug delivery, she has published more than 70 peer-reviewed papers, secured millions in federal research funding, and holds three patent filings. She earned her PhD at the University of Pennsylvania and is a national leader in advancing diversity across engineering.

Get Involved

Ways to take part

The symposium is open to all. Students and faculty from institutions across New York are welcome to attend, and students are invited to share their research.

Attend

Join us for the keynote, faculty talk, panel, and the full day. Open to all.

Present a poster

Share your research. Open to undergraduate and graduate students in any STEM field.

Thesis pitch

Give a short, three-minute pitch of your research to attendees and judges.

Recognition

Research prizes

Open to all

WiSE Research Poster Prize

New this year. Every student who registers to present a poster is automatically considered, undergraduate or graduate, from any institution.

SU undergraduates only

Norma Slepecky Undergraduate Research Prize

Our endowed prize for Syracuse University undergraduate researchers. A separate application is required.

Learn more and apply

Key dates: Poster and thesis pitch submissions are due Friday, September 18, 2026. To attend, register by Friday, October 9, 2026.

Schedule

The day at a glance

A preliminary outline. Full details will be shared closer to the event.

MorningRegistration, welcome, and faculty talk

Late morningKeynote lecture and thesis pitches

MiddayPoster presentations and lunch

AfternoonPanel discussion

Late afternoonPrize awards and closing remarks

In her memoryWho was Norma Slepecky?Professor Norma Slepecky was a distinguished auditory neuroanatomist at Syracuse University and a founding member of WiSE. A passionate researcher and advocate for undergraduate research, she mentored countless students and championed women in STEM. With her enthusiastic approval, her family, friends, and colleagues endowed the lectureship and research prize that carry her name. WiSE is honored to serve as steward of her legacy.

Getting There