Selection Process for UIUC+ UG Research
As a student eager to explore the world of software engineering research, applying for the UIUC+ Summer Undergraduate Research in Software Engineering 2024 was an exciting opportunity. The process was both rigorous and insightful, starting with the initial application through the UIUC+ Summer Research Program Google Form.
Application and Selection
I found the application form for this opportunity through LinkedIn somewhere around March 2024.
The application required my basic details; submitting my resume, GitHub profile, and LinkedIn profile and selecting my research interests along with preferred professors to work under. This step allowed me to showcase my skills and demonstrate my enthusiasm for research in software engineering.
After patiently waiting, I received an email from a UIUC professor informing me that I had advanced to the next round of evaluation. This next phase involved a challenging task designed to assess problem-solving abilities and technical proficiency.
The Evaluation Task
The evaluation task centred around identifying and analyzing buggy mutant codes generated by three types of Language Learning Models (LLMs): BugFarm, LEAM, and Mubert. We were also provided links to research papers to explore these models further. After completing the task, we were expected to point out which model produced mutant codes that were hard to tell if they were buggy or not.
I was provided with 20 Java code snippets, each accompanied by a “correct version of the code” and a mutated version. My objective was to determine whether the mutated version contained a bug.
To complete the task successfully, I needed proficiency in Java programming and Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) concepts. The task required navigating through multiple Java files that referenced each other, analyzing the code structure, and pinpointing potential bugs. It was challenging and open-ended, but so is Research in general!
In addition to identifying bugs, I had to provide a concise explanation justifying my findings and specify the time taken to complete the task. This evaluation task was part of a broader Crowd Research project, with our results contributing to ongoing research efforts at UIUC.
Selection and Beyond
After submitting my evaluation task, I eagerly awaited the results. Several weeks later, I received the thrilling news from the professor that I had passed the evaluation and was selected for the UIUC+ Summer Undergraduate Research in Software Engineering 2024.
This journey marks the beginning of an enriching research internship experience. I am excited to contribute to the research community and explore new realms of software engineering knowledge during my time at UIUC. Stay tuned for updates as I delve into my research internship!