<p>Hi everyone! I'm a sophomore whose schedule is uncomfortably loose. I have some basic ECs, volunteering, and whatnot. I'm really wondering how to get involved in research while I'm still in high school (specifically, biological research). Being involved in research OR LAB WORK in any way would be excellent for me, mostly because I'm really interested, so I would basically take anything I could get - definitely unpaid.</p>
<p>I think I have a decent shot at getting some kind of unpaid/volunteer position because of my performance in school and the fact that I'm working on some college work as well (evolution). I just have no idea where to begin. </p>
<p>There are two community colleges and one private university within 25 miles of me. Obviously, I'd like to spring for the university, especially since it's known for its Bio/Med programs. Should I contact some professors? Department heads? Who?!</p>
<p>Too long didn't read: How can I get involved in biological research while I'm in high school?</p>
<p>There are a lot of summer programs and internships that you might be eligible to apply for:
[Science</a> | JHU CTY](<a href=“http://cty.jhu.edu/imagine/resources/summer_programs/science.html]Science”>http://cty.jhu.edu/imagine/resources/summer_programs/science.html)
[Internships | JHU CTY](<a href=“http://cty.jhu.edu/imagine/resources/internships/science.html”>http://cty.jhu.edu/imagine/resources/internships/science.html</a>)</p>
<p>Or you could just email some professors and tell them about your interests and ask if there’s anything you can help with. I’ve never done this but people on here are all the time saying it works. </p>
<p>Since we’re on the topic, do community college professors do research or anything like that? I sort of want to do this too but the closest non-community college/university is around 90 miles away from where I live. Plus it seems like they’d be more willing to help.</p>
<p>Thanks for the reply! I just went against all my introverted instincts and emailed a professor who’s also the advisor of the department I’m interested in. Wish me luck! Haha</p>
<p>And about your question, yeah, I think so. One of my good friend’s mom is a professor at a community college who also does/did research at the private university I spoke of. To me, that seems weird, but I’m sure it’s more prevalent than it would seem to be (although, now that I think of it, I think she’s a graduate of said university…). </p>
<p>And I’ve met some of each (private and public college professors) and I think it’s really based on the individual. I’m sure most of them don’t bite… often.</p>
<p>@IBObsessed If you don’t mind me asking, what was your email like? Did you include everything about you, like your ECs, or knowledge of science? I’m really interested in doing research, but I don’t know what I should write in my email.</p>
<p>I have some experience with this; eveningswan/ IBObsessed, if you guys PM me with an email address, I can send you some template letters that I’m using for my science club.</p>
<p>I mostly said that I’m really interested in biology (evolutionary biology), and said that I’m willing to help out in any way I can. I didn’t include any of my stats, because I didn’t want to get too ahead of myself. I plan on sending my transcript and whatnot if I get an email back. </p>
<p>And to above, will do!</p>
<p>Hi! I’m looking to do research too! 
So from what I’ve heard, it’s best to send emails to many professors, and then usually you get one or two replies back. Good luck with the professor you emailed! Email more!
I hope we all get replies haha :D</p>
<p>Whee, I got a reply! The professor I emailed said that he didn’t have any room in his lab for another volunteer, but he did say that he’d forward my email to his colleagues in the Evolutionary Biology Dept., he hopes everything goes well, and I should email him if I’m in need of any suggestions. </p>
<p>Went better than I thought it would haha. Hopefully someone will want me. :P</p>
<p>Congratulations!! 
I’m sure someone will want you!
Did you apply to a community college, or what type of college?
I got 2 replies, one said they were going to be out of town, and the other said the labs only accepted undergraduates and older people =/</p>
<p>Does anyone know anything more about what community colleges do as far as research? Does it depend on the college? Do you think I would get anywhere emailing the ones near my house?
I would feel sort of awkward. What if they have no idea what I’m talking about?</p>
<p>halcy, I feel the exact same way!! 
theres a community college really close to my house but I don’t know if the professors do research there or not… 
I sent an email to one professor though-i hope she doesnt think im crazy- I’ll let you know if she replies :D</p>
<p>How did you get it?!</p>
<p>How do you find a professor to email?</p>
<p>Do you think it would be slightly awkward if I wanted to conduct scientific research at a deeply religious Catholic university? I would assume that many topics such as evolution would be off topics for me to research, but that’s probably the only university that would take me.</p>
<p>I could be wrong, but I don’t think the majority of Christian colleges teach young-earth creationism. Not if they’re giving actual biology degrees and people are getting actual jobs with them.</p>
<p>I can’t stand when people assume the Catholic Church is staunchly planted against any form of scientific advancement.</p>
<p>Big Bang Theory? Developed by a Catholic priest. Church also supports the undeniable evidence of evolution. </p>
<p>But I digress. Heather is right. Kind of a silly question.</p>
<p>As a person who knows nothing about Catholicism, I don’t think it was a ‘silly question’. Based on what I’ve read, I would assume that religion and science don’t mix, like oil and water.</p>
<p>Well I mean, you could use google?</p>