Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General FAQs
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What is the ECS Student Project Innovation Expo 2025?
The ECS Student Project Innovation Expo 2025 is an annual event that showcases innovative projects created by undergraduate students across various engineering disciplines. It provides students with the opportunity to present their projects, compete for awards, and network with industry professionals. -
Who can participate in the Expo?
The Expo is open to undergraduate students enrolled in Engineering and Computer Science programs at Cal State Fullerton (CSUF). Student teams are encouraged to participate, and each team must have a faculty advisor. -
What is the format of the Expo?
The Expo consists of two stages: the Preliminary Round (abstract submission) and the Final Round (presentations at the Expo). During the Preliminary Round, teams submit abstracts of their projects for evaluation. Selected finalist teams proceed to the Final Round, where they present their projects in front of judges and Expo attendees. All teams in the Final Round will be judged. -
How do I submit an abstract for the Preliminary Round?
To submit an abstract, teams must complete the online submission form provided on the Expo website. The submission period opens on February 10, 2025, and closes on March 7, 2025. Please refer to the Expo website for specific instructions. -
What are the evaluation criteria for the Expo?
Projects are evaluated based on criteria such as innovation, problem statement, design process, prototype/display, creativity, and overall presentation quality. Detailed rubrics are provided for both the Preliminary and Final Rounds of the competition on the Expo website. -
Are there specific categories for projects?
Yes, projects are categorized into tracks such as Civil and Environmental Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Corporate-Sponsored and Legacy. Awards are given for the best projects in each category. -
How are winners selected in the Final Round?
Winners are selected based on the judges' evaluations during the Final Round presentations. Awards are given for Overall Best Project, Runner-Up, Best in Each Department, and Special Recognition for Innovation. -
Can I participate in the Expo as an individual or do I need to be part of a team?
While team participation is encouraged, individual submissions are also accepted. However, teams often benefit from collaboration and diverse skill sets. -
Is there a registration fee to participate in the Expo?
No, there is no registration fee for participating in the Expo. It is free for all eligible undergraduate students in the College of ECS. -
Are graduate students allowed to participate either individually or as team members with undergraduate students?
No. Participation in the ECS Student Project Innovation Expo 2025 is limited to ECS undergraduate students only. Graduate students are not eligible to participate, either individually or as team members with undergraduate students. -
How can I get involved in the Expo as a sponsor or partner?
If you are interested in sponsoring or partnering with the Expo, please contact Toni Arellanes-Miller (Senior Director of Development) at Email: tamiller@fullerton.edu for more information on opportunities and benefits.
Preliminary Round (Abstract Submission) FAQs
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What is the Preliminary Round of the Expo?
The Preliminary Round is the initial stage of the Expo where student teams submit abstracts of their projects for evaluation. It serves as the first step towards being selected as a finalist for the Final Round presentations. -
Who can participate in the Preliminary Round?
Undergraduate students enrolled in computer science or engineering programs at CSUF are eligible to participate in the Preliminary Round. Each project must have a faculty advisor. -
How do I submit an abstract for the Preliminary Round?
To submit an abstract, teams must complete the online submission form provided on the Expo website during the specified submission period (February 10 - March 7, 2025). -
What should be included in the abstract submission?
The abstract should provide a concise overview of the project, including the problem statement, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. It should highlight the innovation and significance of the project. -
Is there a word limit for the abstract submission?
Yes, there is a character limit for the abstract submission as follows.
- Project Background and Problem Statement (3000 char max)
- Goals and Objectives (1500 char max)
- Design Requirements/Specifications (1500 char max)
- Methodology (3000 char max)
- Results or Outcomes (3000 char max)
- Innovation and Originality of the Project (1500 char max) -
Can we include multimedia components with our abstract submission?
Yes, teams have the option to include a link to video clips, photos, or other multimedia elements to support their abstract submissions. While multimedia is not required, it can enhance the presentation of your project concept. -
How are abstracts evaluated in the Preliminary Round?
Abstracts are evaluated based on the follocriteria such as clarity of the problem statement, feasibility of the project, innovation, and potential impact. Detailed rubrics are provided to guide the evaluation process on the Expo website. -
Can I make changes to my abstract after submission?
No, once an abstract is submitted, it cannot be modified. It is essential to review and finalize your abstract before submitting it to ensure accuracy and completeness. -
When will I know if my team has been selected as a finalist for the Final Round?
Finalists for the Final Round presentations will be notified via email by April 14, 2025. Selected teams will receive further instructions on the next steps. -
My team's project wasn't selected for the Final Round. Can we still participate in the Expo in some way?
While your project won't be showcased at the Expo, we absolutely encourage you to attend the event! The ECS Student Project Innovation Expo is a fantastic opportunity to see the incredible projects your fellow students have developed, learn about cutting-edge research and innovations, and network with peers, faculty, and industry professionals. Attending the Expo is a great way to support your classmates, get inspired for future projects, and become part of the ECS innovation community. We believe that even if your project isn't in the competition, you can still benefit greatly from experiencing the Expo. -
Is there a fee to participate in the Preliminary Round?
No, there is no fee to participate in the Preliminary Round. It is free for all eligible undergraduate students at the College of ECS.
Final Round FAQs
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What is the Final Round of the Expo?
The Final Round is the culminating stage of the Expo where selected finalist teams present their projects in front of judges and compete for awards based on the quality and innovation of their work. -
How are teams selected for the Final Round?
Teams are selected based on the evaluation of their abstract submissions during the Preliminary Round. Only the top-scoring projects advance to the Final Round. -
Who can participate in the Final Round?
Only the teams that have been selected as finalists during the Preliminary Round are eligible to participate in the Final Round presentations. -
When and where does the Final Round take place?
The Final Round presentations are scheduled to take place on Friday, May 2, 2025, from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM at CSUF TSU Pavilions. Specific details regarding timing and location will be provided to finalist teams closer to the event date. -
How are projects evaluated in the Final Round?
Projects are evaluated by a panel of judges based on criteria such as project innovation, problem-solving approach, presentation quality, and overall impact. -
Is there a specific format for the Final Round presentations?
The Final Round presentations will be conducted in person. Instead of a formal stage presentation, judges will move around the Expo floor, interacting directly with each team at their project display. You should be prepared to discuss all aspects of your project, as judges will likely ask questions about your problem statement, design process, results, and innovation. Each team will have approximately 10 minutes per project with at least three judges. Think of it as a series of short, focused conversations about your work. -
Can teams bring prototypes or visual aids for their presentations?
Yes, teams are encouraged to bring prototypes, visual aids, and any other materials that will enhance their presentations and help convey the significance of their projects.
Yes, each team must have a poster printed on foam board for their project display. Beyond the poster, we encourage you to bring prototypes, visual aids, and other materials to enhance your presentation and communicate the value of your work. The goal is to make it easy for the judges to understand your project and its impact. Please be mindful of size and safety regulations when bringing prototypes or large displays.
- Software-based Projects: Focus on demonstrating your software and programming. Be prepared to showcase your code and its functionality on laptops or other devices.
- Hardware-based Projects: Your prototype is key! Showcase its completeness, functionality, and any innovative features. -
What are the poster requirements and how do I get it printed?
Each team is required to bring a poster printed on foam board. The recommended poster size is 48 inches wide by 36 inches high, but the poster cannot exceed 48x48 inches. A helpful template is available on the ECS Expo website to ensure your poster meets the requirements. For printing, we suggest contacting CSUF Digital Print Services (DPS). It's also a good idea to check with your department office for any specific printing recommendations or resources they may offer. Please be aware that poster printing is the responsibility of the teams and/or their departments; the Expo organizers are unable to provide poster printing services. If you anticipate any printing issues, please address them well in advance of the Expo. -
How many judges will evaluate each project in the Final Round?
Each project will be evaluated by a panel of judges. While the specific number may vary depending on the competition size, you can expect at least three judges, and potentially more, to review your project. -
When will the winners of the Final Round be announced?
The winners of the Final Round will be announced during the award ceremony immediately following the judging process. -
Is there an audience during the Final Round presentations at the Expo?
Yes, the Final Round presentations are open to the public after the judging process is complete. Students, faculty, industry professionals, and community members are welcome to attend and support the finalist teams and learn about their projects.
Questions? Email the Center for Collaborative Research and Prototype Development (CCRPD) at ccrpd@fullerton.edu.
