Beginning my Journey into Open Source with Outreachy
Tags: opensource, python, machinelearning, datascience
Published: 2023-06-01 22:29:49

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](https://www.outreachy.org/) 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](https://www.ersilia.io/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](https://www.linkedin.com/in/hellennamulinda) and [Twitter](https://twitter.com/HellenNamulinda). Thank you! 😊👏