It seems like half of the people on this site have done things like ISEF, conducted their own research, worked in a lab with a professor. Where did you find opportunities to do that? Is it cold-emailing professors (if so, what do you say in your email besides sending a resume), connections, or some sort of program?
(BTW sorry if this is posted in the wrong place, I couldn’t find a relevant forum for this)
To get involved in undergraduate research, you should make sure you put your best effort into your classes and then approach your professor to ask about research opportunities. If you have impressed your professor, he or she should be able to help you identify a lab that is looking for student researchers. It is possible that you could randomly contact professors to ask about opportunities, but having a connection with a professor should be a better way to get your foot in the door.
@WildLupine What about as a high schooler? Or specifically, I’m trying to do research during a gap year
Your teachers might have connections to local professors. Or your neighbors. I can’t imagine that cold calling or emailing works very well.
@pleasgod Depends on the type of research your doing. If your doing computer science or mathematics, then you could probably do it on your own.
@Mahindra I want to do lab science research. Any idea on how to get involved with that?
Summer programs are the easiest way IMO. But they are not easy to get into.
I don’t think it is likely that a professor is going to invite someone who hasn’t started college to join his or her lab unless there is an introduction and strong recommendation from a teacher/relative/friend who has connections with the professor. Even if you can find someone to make the introduction, it is possible that there are enough college students wanting to work in the lab that there may not be a place for someone unaffiliated with the college or university. I agree with @kjake2000 that a summer research program is your best bet.
@pleasgod You have to send emails to the research director in your local area or university. What area are you trying to do lab research in? You might also want to develop some background knowledge in your respective field.
@Mahindra I’m interested in genetics, genomics and bioinformatics. I’m open to pretty much anything, though. I have a computer science background and am comfortable working with databases and stuff like that. Would that help? I’ll try to study those topics because I have 0 science knowledge besides basic high school classes lol
@pleasgod Just curious, but do you use SQL or python for databases? Also, yeah, those fields will require a lab.
email 5000 professors at nearby colleges and hope for a reply
some colleges also have research programs for high school students, but depends on where you live
@Mahindra yes! I use Django with PostgreSQL
@scarletwitchx I’m looking to do it during a gap year when I will no longer qualify as a high school student and the only opportunities I"ve seen are for summer. do you know of any programs in specific? i think i might have to go with the emailing 5000 professors approach
You need to focus on your local options in your areas of interest. You are unlikely to get paid or offered housing.