2024 NSF ITEST Principal Investigator Meeting

2024 PI Meeting Project Summaries

One page project summaries are useful resources during PI meetings—and beyond! For this year's meeting, projects were invited to created a one page submission to be used to create both a printed booklet and an online searchable database. We invite you to visit the PI Meeting Project Summary Library. Search, filter, explore and add your comments to these pages to engage with your colleagues!

The deadline for the printed booklet has passed, but projects can still add to the library! To submit a Project Summary to the database:

1. Log in to the STELAR ITEST Community Page. All active project PIs have been set up with a STELAR account. If you need to reset your username or password please do so here: https://stelar.edc.org/user/password 

2. If you are not the project PI or do not already have an account, please fill out this form to create one. 

3. Once logged in, fill out this form with your project’s information, including one photo. 

Meeting Logistics FAQs

2024 NSF ITEST PI Meeting

Please see below for frequently asked questions about registration and live streaming, pre-meeting networking and Slack, event logistics, project one-pagers, and the poster and tech demo presentations. If you have a question we haven't addressed, please email us at stelar@edc.org.

Registration AND LIVE STREAMING

I have questions about registering.

Registration for the in-person event is closed. For questions about registration, please email stelar@edc.org.

Can I participate remotely?

The plenary sessions will be live-streamed for those who are unable to attend in person. To watch any of the plenary sessions via livestream, please register here. We will be taking questions from remote participants. 

Please see the detailed agenda for a schedule of the live stream sessions, identified with the camera symbol .

Will the live stream be available for viewing after the event has ended?

The live stream will be recorded and made available for on-demand viewing after the event concludes. The recordings will be available on our website and linked to the detailed agenda. 

PRE-MEETING NETWORKING AND SLACK

How can I connect with other attendees before the event?

To maximize the time we have for the in-person event, we are using a Slack workspace to make introductions and learn about each other beforehand. If you registered for the meeting, please check your email for a link to join the Slack workspace. If you need assistance, please email the STELAR team at stelar@edc.org. We will be glad to help you join our 2024 NSF PI Meeting Slack group.

What is Slack and how does it work?

Slack is a messaging platform designed for teams to communicate and collaborate in real time. It allows you to create channels for different topics, send direct messages, share files, and integrate with other tools.

How do I get started with Slack?

To get started, you'll need to create an account using your company email or invitation link. Once you're logged in, you can join channels, send messages, and start collaborating with your team. If you need assistance, please email the STELAR team at stelar@edc.org. We will be glad to help you join our 2024 NSF PI Meeting Slack group.

How do I navigate Slack?

Slack has a left sidebar where you'll find your channels, direct messages, and apps. You can switch between channels by clicking on their names or use the search bar to find specific messages or files.

How do I join channels?

You can join channels by clicking on the "+" icon next to "Channels" in the sidebar and searching for the channel name. Alternatively, you can ask a colleague or administrator to invite you to specific channels.

How do I send messages in Slack?

To send a message, simply click on the channel or person you want to message and type your message in the message field at the bottom of the screen. Press Enter to send.

How do I customize my notification settings?

You can customize your notification settings by clicking on your profile picture in the top right corner, selecting "Preferences," and then "Notifications." From there, you can choose how you want to be notified for different types of activity.

What are threads and how do I use them?

Threads allow you to keep related messages organized within a conversation. To start a thread, hover over a message and click on the "Reply" icon. You can then reply to that message within the thread, keeping the conversation focused.

How do I search for past messages or files in Slack?

You can search for past messages or files by using the search bar at the top of the screen. Simply type keywords or phrases, and Slack will show you relevant results from your message history.

Any additional tips for using Slack effectively?

Remember to use @mentions to notify specific team members, use emojis and reactions to express yourself, and keep channels organized by archiving or leaving channels that are no longer relevant to you.

In the days ahead of the meeting, log into our Slack workspace and read about other attendees' projects. Send a quick note to anyone you'd like to connect with in-person during the meeting.

EVENT LOGISTICS

Where is the event taking place?

The meeting will take place at the Westin Alexandria Hotel in Alexandria, Virginia. 
Hotel Address:
The Westin Alexandria
400 Courthouse Sq., Alexandria, VA, 22314

Hotel Website 
Phone: 703-253-8600

Who do I contact on the day of the conference if I need immediate assistance?

If you need immediate assistance on site, please call Amy Lozen at 734-645-9665. 

 

What is the attire for the event?

The attire for this event will be "business casual." 

How do I get to Alexandria, VA?

The Alexandria area is serviced by the Reagan National Airport (Airport Code: DCA) and the Alexandria Union Station (Amtrak Code: ALX). 

How do I get to the hotel?

The Westin Alexandria is approximately 4.5 miles (20 minutes) from the Reagan National Airport and 0.5 miles (4 minutes) from the Alexandria Union Station.

For comprehensive ground transportation information please visit the Westin Transportation link.

What is the hotel parking rate?

Valet parking is available at an average rate of $40 per day. 

What can I explore in the area?

For things to do, amazing restaurants, history, and more, visit https://www.visitalexandriava.com/. 

What is the average temperature in Alexandria, VA?

In May, the average high temperature in Alexandria is 79°F, and the average low is 62°F.

What COVID precautions will be taken?

We're adding details soon.

project One-Pager

What is a project one-pager?

A key strategy for showcasing your work is the project one-pager. All ITEST projects are encouraged to submit the one-pager form to summarize their work and update the community on their approach to each of the ITEST Pillars—Innovative Use of Technology, Partnerships for Career Workforce Preparation, and Equity in STEM Education. 

How do I upload/submit my one-pager?

1. Log in to the STELAR website with your ITEST project member credentials. If you don't remember your login credentials, you can reset your username and/or password using this link. If you do not have a project member account, please sign up first.
2. Visit the Create One Pager page of the STELAR website to fill out our one-pager submission form with your project's information. This form will ask you to provide your project's information and upload one photo or image. Note that to complete the page you must: 
   • Complete the mandatory fields indicated with a red (*) asterisk to enter a short description 
   • Link your existing project profile
   • Add categories that will act as filters for the poster page
   • Complete the optional fields to share additional material that highlights your work (e.g., additional documents or media, websites, etc.) 
3. When you have completed the form, click the Save button located at the top right of the page.

How can I view other project one-pagers?

The one-pagers are available online for the public to see. We encourage meeting attendees to review all the great work being done by their peers, and to identify projects you might like to connect with during the event. 

While the printed booklet deadline has passed, ITEST projects can still submit a one-pager for viewing in our 2024 PI Meeting one-pager library database. 

Where do you go for help with the one-pager?

If you need help uploading your one-pager, reach out to the STELAR team at stelar@edc.org. We will be glad to help you showcase your project!

RESEARCH POSTERS and Tech demos

How do I participate in the Project Expo session?

During the ITEST Project Expo on Monday, May 6, at 5:00 pm ET, participants can explore different project stations to experience demonstrations, interactives, posters, videos, and artifacts from project work. The expo will feature more than 60 projects and presenters. 

When should I plan to set up my research poster or tech demo?

• Please plan to set up your poster/technology demo between 4:30–5:00 pm on Monday, May 6.
• The poster session will run from 5:00–6:30 pm. 
• Posters/demo materials may be left with STELAR staff at the meeting registration desk in the morning. Please ensure that all materials are labeled with your name and project title. 
• Posters must be taken down by 7:00 pm on May 6.
• Be aware that any materials left after 7:00 pm  on May 6 will not be returned. 

What are the guidelines for the research poster?

Each project poster will be assigned half of a round table in the main ballroom. Tri-fold presentation boards and supplies to attach poster materials will be provided. The boards are 48 inches wide and 36 inches high.

What are the guidelines for the technology demo?

Each technology demo will be assigned one 6-foot rectangular table in the foyer. Each station will have a power supply available.

What if I need to ship something to the conference?

You may ship posters and materials to yourself at the hotel using the following information: 
   (First Name) (Last Name), Guest arriving (date) 
   THE WESTIN ALEXANDRIA OLD TOWN
   400 Courthouse Square, Alexandria, VA  22314

Please email us at stelar@edc.org if you have any questions about the meeting that are not addressed here.