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Outreachy FAQ
Frequently asked questions for Outreachy with MDAnalysis.
Please read:
- our general Outreachy page
- our community landing page on the Outreachy website
- Outreachy's applicant guide.
Questions have been broadly grouped into related categories. More will be added as we encounter them.
If you have questions that are not answered here contact us on the GitHub Discussions forum - under the "Outreachy" category - and ask. We are happy to answer your questions.
All communication regarding Outreachy is carried out publicly on GitHub Discussions under the "Outreachy" category
Note Please do not email or message other developers/mentors privately, we prefer that communication be done publicly.
We also have a discord: MDAnalysis server with a dedicated #outreachy channel: sign up with https://discord.gg/fXTSfDJyxE
This discord is there to supplement, but not replace, GitHub Discussions. We would ask that formal discussions (especially regarding project ideas) happen on GitHub Discussions where possible. This helps us better keep records of what was discussed with each applicant. The discord is suitable for less formal discussions, however we ask that it not be used for private communication with the developers.
No - we prefer that communication remain public, either on the discord or our discussion forum.
There are exceptions – if you feel you have been harassed or witnessed harassment within the community, you may reach out privately. Our Code of Conduct has more information if you want to contact us confidentially.
We require (as stated in our Code of Conduct) respectful and professional behavior between all community members.
We address each other by first names or any chosen handle (so no need to use any honorifics or titles such as Madam/Sir/Dr/Professor).
We love a casual and relaxed vibe at MDAnalysis, and refer to each other by first name or any chosen handle – no need to use titles or honorifics (e.g. madam/sir/etc).
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Agree to be bound by our Code of Conduct
The MDAnalysis community values diversity and is committed to providing a productive, harassment-free environment to every member. Our Code of Conduct explains the values that we as a community uphold. Every member (and every Outreachy Contributor) agrees to follow the Code of Conduct
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Become familiar with MDAnalysis: What is it used for, how is it used.
Are you familiar with computer simulations of atoms and molecules? If not, learn a little bit about "molecular dynamics simulations". You can also watch our MDAnalysis trailer and introductory videos.
Work through the MDAnalysis Quick Start Guide and get a feel for how MDAnalysis is used.
We understand that making you use our software is a sizable initial ask but on the other hand, MDAnalysis is relatively complicated software that is used in research by many people. We are happy to help answer questions as you go along.
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Interact with project-specific resources.
Resources specific to each of the MDAnalysis Outreachy projects are reported under "Familiarize yourself with MDAnalysis" in the Project Contribution Information sections on the MDAnalysis community landing page. Read about these carefully and start thinking thoughtfully about how these resources might inform the implementation of your Outreachy project if you are selected as an intern.
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Submit a pre-proposal before March 22, 2024: introduce yourself, tell us about your experience and interests and show us that you have a solid understanding of your proposed project.
MDAnalysis developers will review your proposal and then either invite you to continue with your application or tell you that we will not consider your application. Please note that this decision is final, and applicants should only submit one pre-proposal. We will inform you of a decision, via the email you provide with your pre-proposal, shortly after the March 22nd deadline has passed.
We are happy to work with you on refining your project ideas, based on your experience. Ask relevant questions on the discussion forum. For more information, see also Will I be selected based on my application alone?).
Out of fairness to everyone and to ease the review process, please make sure your complete answers are included in the text box of the form. However, you may provide links to supplemental items if you'd like (e.g., to demonstrate previous projects you have done, etc.).
Since the pre-proposal is a Google form, it is recommended to copy your answers into a separate Google Doc. Make sure that your Google Doc is publicly available for others to view. You can then list the link to your Google Doc to record the contribution on the Outreachy website. See also Outreachy's guidance on making contributions in their Applicant Guide.
Should I start implementing some of the tasks listed in the Project Description for the project I am interested in?
No. Decisions related to the MDAnalysis project are made in consultation with project leaders under the current governance structure. We therefore ask you to wait on implementing widespread surveys, communication strategies, etc. during the contribution period. If you are selected as an Outreachy intern to work with MDAnalysis, you will work alongside your mentors and the project leaders to fine-tune and effectively implement your project ideas.
We are interested in Outreachy Contributors that demonstrate to us commitment and convince us that they can be successful with their proposed project.
We take into account how you interacted with us before you submitted the application as part of discussions on the discussion forum.
In addition to what is written under How do we interact with each other?, we value engaged discussions that focus on essential details and are carried out in a timely and efficient fashion.
We like Outreachy Contributors to demonstrate that they can learn and take advice on board, that they can teach themselves, and make use of help such as existing documentation, training materials, or publications.
We see supporting each other as a fundamental aspect of the MDAnalysis community and appreciate it when Outreachy Contributors help users and each other.
Ultimately, your application has to convince us of the following:
- You propose work that will substantially improve the user's experience with MDAnalysis (i.e., it will have impact). Explain what the new functionality will do for users of MDAnalysis?
- The work is feasible (i.e., you have the experience to successfully complete your project in the time frame of Outreachy). Include a time line that breaks down your project into manageable work packages. Make clear which parts of the project depend on each other.
No.
If you don't submit a pre-proposal before March 22, 2024 and actively engage with us prior to submitting a full application, we will just reject your proposal, no matter how good it sounds. We need to know that we can communicate and work together.
Yes, absolutely. You need to include the original source of the resource (url, repository, …).
Am I allowed to use AI chatbot (e.g., ChatGPT, Bard) generated content (e.g., text, code, etc.) in my application?
You must disclose any use of AI chatbot generated content in your application. Your application will ultimately be judged on its merit, and it will not count against you if you use chatbot generated content. However, we will be using a tool to detect AI generated text and code, so it is important to us that you are upfront about whether and how AI generated content was used to develop your application. It is important that at the core, your proposal accurately reflects your original ideas and experiences to ensure your proposed work is feasible.