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HW1: Exploration

This assignment has two goals:

  1. Select a specific research area and topic through the Research Topics process.
  2. Prepare for Speed Dating, where you will look for members of your team project.

The two tasks build on each other: the topic you commit to in Task 1 is what you will pitch to potential teammates in Task 2.

Task 1: Research Topics​

Work through the five steps of topic discovery, and write it up as a report:

  1. Personal Motivation
  2. Landscape Analysis
  3. Novelty Check
  4. Support Check
  5. Feasibility Check

This is the same process you already exercised in class, done here as your own written record.

Task 2: Speed Dating​

Using the topic you committed to in Task 1, prepare the following for Speed Dating:

  • Skills & Experience: List your technical skills relevant to AI (e.g., PyTorch, Huggingface, OpenAI), and briefly outline any previous AI projects you have worked on.
  • Project Ideas: Propose 1-2 potential project ideas within your committed topic, including the problem to be solved and a possible approach.
  • Availability & Work Style: Note your typical availability for team work, and your preferred work style (e.g., structured vs. flexible, in-person vs. remote collaboration).
  • Questions: Prepare 2-3 questions to ask potential teammates to assess compatibility.

Submission​

  • Compile Task 1 and Task 2 into a single PDF document using the headings above.
  • Ensure your name is clearly visible at the top of the document.
  • Keep the total length to 2-4 pages.
  • Submit your PDF to HW1: Exploration on Canvas.
info

Your submitted document will be publicly visible on the Profiles page to facilitate team formation.

Rubric​

Task 1: Research Topics (3 points)​

  • Personal Motivation (0.5 points): Is the chosen area/topic specific, and is the justification sound?
  • Landscape Analysis (1 point): Are the traditional/emerging classification and backup topic clearly justified with concrete signals?
  • Novelty Check (1 point): Do the skimmed papers meaningfully establish that the topic still has room for contribution?
  • Support Check (0.2 points): Is the connection to named faculty specific and accurate?
  • Feasibility Check (0.3 points): Is the reality check on data, compute, and scope well-reasoned, leading to a clear final commitment?

Task 2: Speed Dating (1 point)​

  • Skills & Experience (0.2 points): Are the technical skills and prior AI projects clearly described?
  • Project Ideas (0.4 points): Are the proposed project ideas specific, well-motivated, and grounded in the committed topic?
  • Availability & Work Style (0.2 points): Are availability and work style clearly described?
  • Questions (0.2 points): Are the questions insightful in assessing potential collaboration and project goals?