<p>First of all, I just wanna say I'm sorry for posting in this forum about research even though it's not for it. I thought this forum was somewhat relevant and related to it.</p>
<p>Now on to the question: I've found this professor who I want to do research with, but my only problem is how should I talk with him about it. Our classes haven't started yet and I plan to e-mail him/her about telling them that I want to do research with them. What should I write? Thanks.</p>
<p>Just say you’re interested in his/her research and ask if there’s an available position (in his/her lab in case of engineering/science). Send an e-mail as soon as possible before someone else does!!!</p>
<p>Thanks! (10 char)</p>
<p>I think it’s important to do extensive research before sending out that e-mail. Make sure that you have an interest in what the professor is working on.</p>
<p>If you’ve already got a decent sense of what your professor is doing, it can’t hurt to shoot over an email expressing interest. The worst that can happen is that you get denied!</p>
<p>I would suggest NOT treating it like a job application and more like an inquiry. You want to find out what this professor studies because you think you might offer value to his research. If he is interested in you and has the need for an RA, he will respond reasonably quickly and get the ball rolling. If not, he may still mention to his colleagues that you have an interest in research.</p>
<p>For what it’s worth, I did research for a professor in sophomore year of college after I really sought it out, and it was only okay. Right after junior year, however, a professor came to me to ask me to be an RA, and I wound up doing some great research on an array of fascinating topics for nearly a year! The point is that opportunities may actually find you, even if you’re not looking for them!</p>