Beginning my Journey into Open Source with Outreachy

Hello! 👋 My name is Hellen Namulinda, and I'm a passionate AI enthusiast from Uganda with a bachelor's degree in Computer Science and a keen interest in Computational Pharmacology. I have extensive programming knowledge in Python and JavaScript, along with experience in research and developing machine learning models.

I recently got accepted as an Outreachy intern(Summer 2023) for Ersilia Open Source Initiative.
Outreachy is a program that provides internships in open source and open science to individuals subject to systemic bias and impacted by underrepresentation in the technical industry.

Discovering Outreachy

If you are in tech industry, there are alot of opportunities you get exposed to when you get involved in communities.
As a member of the Pyladies Kampala community, I connected with inspiring individuals who shared their experiences in the tech industry. It was through this community that I first learned about Outreachy and its goal to increase diversity in open source by promoting those who face under-representation and systemic bias in the tech industry. Learning about this opportunity was very interesting, especially for someone like me who has struggled to make it in a male dominated field.

The Application Process

The Outreachy application process consists of three phases. The first time I applied, I didn't get to the contibution phase. But I said to myself that I will try again and that I will give it my best.
When applications for the Summer 2023 cohort began, I eagerly applied. And yes, my initial application was approved. I was excited to move forward to the contribution phase. During this phase, I had the opportunity to engage with Ersilia Open Source Initiative and collaborate on their project of extending the Ersilia Model Hub. It was an enriching experience, as I had the chance to interact with project mentors who provided valuable guidance throughout the process. I submitted my final application, showcasing my progress and skills contribution to the project.

The Ersilia Model Hub Project

After a thorough selection process, I received the incredible news that I had been selected as an intern for Ersilia Open Source Initiative😊🙌. I will be working on extending the Ersilia Model Hub, a FOSS platform that offers pretrained AI/ML models for biomedical research. This platform equips universities, hospitals, and laboratories with vital data science tools for infectious and neglected disease research. I am excited to join a team that is making a positive impact in the field of global health and drug discovery by leveraging the power of AI and machine learning.

My Core Values

Some of the core values that drive my journey are;

1. Learning
   In the ever-evolving tech industry, continuous learning is paramount. I am committed to expanding my knowledge and skills, and this internship offers a unique opportunity for me to dive deeper into open source development, AI, and data science.

2. Determination
   Challenges are inevitable, but I approach them with unwavering determination and perseverance. I refuse to let any obstacles define my path or limit my potential. With a resilient mindset, I embrace every opportunity to develop my skills, tackle complex problems, and grow both personally and professionally.

3. Contribution
   Contribution is at the heart of my journey in the technology industry. I am driven by the desire to make a positive impact and leverage my skills to create meaningful solutions. By collaborating with like-minded individuals and leveraging the power of technology, I strive to empower and inspire.

Guess what! It's the first week of Outreachy Internship which is running from May 29 to Aug 25. I had the privilege of meeting my mentor and the wonderful team at the Ersilia; so supportive👏. The support and guidance from my mentor and the project team has been invaluable in helping me get up to speed.

I appreciate you taking the time to read this far! Stay tuned as I share my progress, experiences, challenges, and triumphs throughout this journey.
Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn and Twitter. Thank you! 😊👏