Masterworks: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Masterworks?

A. Masterworks, a poster session, is the annual EECS celebration of thesis research leading to the master of science (SM) and master of engineering (MEng) degrees. Learn more on the EECS Masterworks home page.

 

Q: When and where will Masterworks be held this year?

A. Please note that Masterworks 2020, originally scheduled for April 23, was canceled per MIT policy in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Information about Masterworks 2021 will be available early in 2021.

 

Q. Who is eligible to participate in Masterworks?

A: Masterworks 2020 is open to graduates who received their SM or MEng degrees on dates to be specified for each year’s event.

 

Q: Where and when do I sign up? When is the deadline to upload my presentation?

A: This information, with a link to the Masterworks registration site, will be available here and on the Masterworks home page about 3-4 months before the event.

 

Q: What are the specifications for my presentation?

A: You’ll find these on the Masterworks registration site, along with logos and a presentation template. Again, a link will be posted here and on the Masterworks home page about 3-4 months before the event.

 

Q: How do I update my presentation after the upload deadline?

A: If your presentation changes, you will be able to connect your computer to the monitor at Masterworks to upload a new version.

 

Q: What time should we show up?

A: The presentation times will be posted about 3-4 months before the event. You should arrive at the venue 10 to 15 minutes early to pick up your name badge from the reception desk and find your assigned spot before the session starts.

 

Q: How long will our presentation session last, and how will people find individual participants?

A: The session times will be posted about 3-4 months before the event. Event attendees will receive a printed agenda so they can locate the presenters and presentations they wish to see.

 

Q: Do I need to prepare an hour-long talk, or this it a poster session where we stand by our posters and people stop by and ask questions?

A: There’s no need to prepare an hour-long talk. This is indeed a poster session where you will stand by your poster and answer questions about your research. You might want to prepare a 1- to 2-minute pitch explaining your work so you can describe it concisely as people stop by.

 

Q: Will we be presenting one by one or simultaneously?

A: Simultaneously. All Masterworks presentations will be uploaded on the electronic posters at the same time.

 

Q: What awards will be given and when will they be announced?

A: We often run audience-choice awards competitions in which attendees vote for the best posters during the session. If that happens, we will announce winners of the audience-choice awards shortly after the session ends. Voting instructions will be provided onsite. The winners of the 2020 Morris Joseph Levin Award for Outstanding Masterworks Thesis Presentations, which will be presented at the annual EECS Celebrates ceremony, will be announced later.

 

Q: Will the event be photographed or videotaped?

A: A photographer will be documenting the event. If you don’t wish to be photographed, simply let the photographer know.

 

Q: What is the dress code?

A: “Business casual” will be appropriate.
 

Q: Will there be a keyboard/clicker to advance the slides?

A: Each posterboard will have a Microsoft Surface tablet computer for this purpose.

 

Q: What if I have other questions?

A: Email eecs-masterworks@mit.edu.

 

Return to Masterworks home page