Congratulations to Tristan Weers (Biochemistry and Genetics '26), 2026 Wallace E. Barron All-University Senior!
This prestigious award recognizes six Iowa State seniors who display high character, outstanding achievement in academics and university/community activities, and promise for continuing these exemplary qualities as alumni.
“From seniors to first-year students, everyone seems to have something positive to say about Tristan,” wrote a nominator. “It is a testament to Tristan’s nature that he continues to maintain these interpersonal relationships while balancing all his other accomplishments.”
Tristan is the Senior Teaching Assistant of the President’s Leadership Class and has served in the past as a peer mentor within the BBMB Learning Community. In BBMB, Tristan currently serves as Co-Chair of Stupka Undergraduate Research Symposium, conducts research in the Reuben Peters lab, and is a 2025-2026 Robert Stupka Scholar. Tristan will be speaking about his research at the upcoming Symposium April 9-10th, which is free and open to the public.
Outside of the lab or classroom, Tristan can be found wandering around Iowa State’s campus with his nose in a book or with his face painted at Cyclone athletics events. After graduating from Iowa State, Tristan plans on attending graduate school to pursue a Ph.D. in Crop Sciences.
You can read more here ("Four CALS students named Wallace E. Barron award recipients") and here (ISU Alumni Association Wallace E. Barron All-University Senior Award page). These writeups are also pasted below.
Congratulations, Tristan!
Tristan Weers
Tristan Weers
Biochemistry and Genetics
Center Junction, Iowa
- Tristan Weers brings leadership and commitment to every space he occupies. A double major in biochemistry and genetics with a 4.0 GPA, he was selected into the prestigious President’s Leadership Class. He is now the class’s senior teaching assistant. Tristan also shaped the Stupka Undergraduate Research Symposium through roles ranging from operations chair to communications lead. He now serves as co‑chair of the 2026 symposium.
- Tristan pairs his leadership with academic achievement and research distinction. He has been an author on two published scientific papers, conducted advanced research in the Peters lab, and completed a research internship at the Max Planck Institute in Germany. His work has earned him honors such as the Stupka Scholar Award, the Fehr Scholarship, and the Borlaug Dialogue poster award.
“From seniors to first-year students, everyone seems to have something positive to say about Tristan,” wrote a nominator. “It is a testament to Tristan’s nature that he continues to maintain these interpersonal relationships while balancing all his other accomplishments.”
Why did you choose to attend Iowa State?
Iowa State University felt like home from the second I stepped on campus. It had a unique combination of top-tier programs mixed with the opportunity to start hands-on research soon after arriving that I couldn’t turn down. The dedication that Iowa State has toward helping you achieve your goals has been evident since my first day. I can’t imagine being anywhere else.
What has been your favorite class and why?
It’s a technicality, but my favorite class has been being part of the President’s Leadership Class. The opportunity to learn from such amazing leaders across Iowa State’s campus is unrivaled. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to be part of three cohorts of the class, seeing the lessons from a different perspective each time.
As for classes officially in the course catalog, my favorite has been BBMB 5060: Membrane Biochemistry, with Professor Culbertson. Not only was his dedication to the class constantly and consistently evident, but I also loved learning about a part of biochemistry I hadn’t had previous exposure to.
Who has positively impacted your time at Iowa State?
There are far too many people to list here. All the professors who have taught me. My incredible girlfriend, Karsten. My family, who has been a constant source of support and encouragement. My friends within and outside of the biochemistry community. My mentors and peers within the President’s Leadership Class and my managers, both in the Bessey Greenhouse, my lab, CALS, Honors and more that don’t fit into these categories. I can’t thank these people enough.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Just relax. It’s going to be fine. Things can pile up quickly and seem like a lot, but you wouldn’t be in your current role if you weren’t deserving or good enough. Just be you and that’s all anyone can ask.
How has Iowa State prepared you for your future career?
The chance to get involved with research early on has been one of the key factors in preparing me for the future. While talking to potential schools and employers, they are consistently surprised that I have had the opportunity to start meaningful work, developing hands-on training, from such an early point in school. Iowa State’s focus on teaching you everything you need to know, from the book to the lab bench, has been essential.
What are your plans after graduation?
I am applying to graduate programs in crop science and biochemistry, with the hope to work on the improvement and development of crops relevant to the Midwest.