<p>how do you develop a thesis<a href="especially%20if%20you%20were%20to%20go%20the%20route%20of%20an%20independent%20researcher">/b</a>, is it **primarily with the aid of the mentor<a href="aka,%20thesis%20developed%20by%20mentor%20and%20just%20going%20with%20it">/b</a> or **do you approach your mentor with a carefully thought out thesis before taking part in research(emphasis on the how)? I have a rudimentary knowledge of science (meaning whatever I've learned from AP classes and articles), ** would this be ok in approaching a future mentor?What is necessary in being able to present yourself to prospective mentors?**</p>
<p>I’m doing the same thing. I just do everything on my own without a mentor. I think to answer you can do some research</p>
<p>How were you able to get access to a near-by lab?</p>
<p>At such a young age, the best way to do it is through a collective program. That’s how I’m doing my scientific research. I work in a lab with others older than me (undergrads, grads, postdocs, etc.) for the summer. It’s really hard to be able to get a lab by yourself or ask a scientist if you can join their lab, but you can try. See if you can get an internship opportunity. I mean, do research and ask around really.</p>