Started in 1994 by a subset of NSGSA members, the symposium offers students within DNS and related disciplines an opportunity to present their research prior to national meetings such as Experimental Biology. The day includes student competitions in both poster and oral presentations, with cash prizes for the winners. The Symposium also encompasses a presentation from a keynote speaker, who addresses current nutrition-related topics. This is typically a well-respected, innovative, renowned expert in the field of nutrition that possesses wide-ranging expertise. This event attracts faculty, students, and related professionals from DNS as well as from other disciplines. The Symposium has been a tremendous success in past years, and it is an event that students look forward to each year.