SU WiSE • Annual Event

Norma Slepecky Symposium

Annual keynote lecture, student research, and prize awards.

October 23, 2026Syracuse UniversityRegister here

Norma Slepecky

Professor Norma Slepecky was a distinguished auditory neuroanatomist at Syracuse University, remembered fondly by her colleagues, students, and the WiSE community since her passing in 2001. As a professor of bioengineering and neuroscience and a founding member of WiSE, she was a passionate researcher and advocate for undergraduate student research. She frequently mentored undergraduates seeking research experience and strongly supported efforts to increase the number of women in STEM. With her enthusiastic approval, her family, friends, and colleagues joined together to endow the Norma Slepecky Lectureship and Undergraduate Research Prize. WiSE was appointed as steward for the Slepecky Prize and is honored to annually coordinate the Slepecky ceremony and lecture, held each spring.

2026 Event

Symposium details

Date: Friday, October 23, 2026

Venue: Drumlins Country Club, Syracuse University

This year the Slepecky Symposium is expanding to a larger regional format. The symposium is open to all: students and faculty from institutions across New York are welcome to attend the keynote lecture and join us for the day. Students are also invited to present their research, and any STEM student can be considered for a research prize.

2026 Keynote Speaker

Dr. Lola Eniola-Adefeso

Dean of the College of Engineering, University of Illinois Chicago • President, AIMBE

A 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, previously served on the engineering faculty at the University of Michigan, and is a national leader in advancing diversity across engineering.

Share your research

Have a research project you are proud of? We would love to see it. The symposium is your chance to present your work, connect with fellow researchers, and be recognized for what you have accomplished. Any STEM student, undergraduate or graduate, can present a poster and be considered for a research prize. We especially encourage women in STEM to take part. Research at any stage is welcome, and we encourage you to register.

Norma Slepecky Undergraduate Research Prize

For undergraduate students presenting research in any STEM field. Women in STEM are especially encouraged to take part.

WiSE Graduate Research Prize

New this year. For graduate students presenting research in any STEM field. Women in STEM are especially encouraged to take part.

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

Please review the full guidelines before registering.

Schedule