<p>I'm a high school student (sophomore) with a near 4.0 GPA, my only weak subject is english. Anyway, I'm in a science research program at my school and a couple weeks ago they told us we should start to look for mentors or summer work in a lab.</p>
<p>I spent some time and read a couple articles by the same guy and wrote him an email asking him questions about his research and I never got a reply. I've been told to like establish a connection and then pop the question but my parents say I should just email a couple nearby universities (I live near NYC) and ask to work in their lab.</p>
<p>I'm interested in doing research on nanotechnology and graphene. I was wondering who should I be emailing? For example, this is one of Columbia's nanotechnology research centers: NSEC</a> Faculty by Thrust :: Columbia NSEC. Should I email the leaders? And what exactly should I say in my email. So far I have a brief paragraph talking about who I am and my interest in nanotechnology research. Should I ask them if they need help in their lab or ask if can I work in their lab?</p>
<p>Thanks for taking the time to read this. I just really want to get somewhere with research in high school and be successful in competitions and stuff.</p>