<p>I have a question concerning REU programs. So I applied to one of the many REU programs and I had contacted the person in charge to ask if we will be notified if our applications were not successful. She told me that most of the positions had been filled an there are two left. One that is with a professor that I had indicated that I would like to work with. I actually had questions about his research, but I didn't send them initially. Do you think it would be a good idea to send him some questions I had now concerning his research even though this is around the time he needs to pick a student? Or would this not come across well? I really want the position, but I would think showing him my interest would be a good thing. What do you think? Email him with some questions or not?</p>
<p>It will never come across bad to a professor if you ask questions about their research. They are generally passionate about it and enjoy it when people show an interest. That said, it sounds like you are asking a bit late in the game, but as long as you come across genuine, the worst you can do is not have any effect. The only danger is that your email may be… overlooked by the professor. Professors get tons of emails and are notorious for either just not responding or forgetting to respond to emails that aren’t of paramount importance to them. Still, it can’t hurt to try. It may be a decent idea to look briefly at his/her publications and pick one or two of the more recent ones to read if they interest you. It will at least let you write a more cogent email. Just do it quickly.</p>