<p>Undergrad vs. grad student, of course. As a grad student working for a masters or PhD, I’d be more relaxed and willing to not be too serious around my PI, just making sure I perform my aspect of the project responsibly. As an undergraduate working for experience or a potential LoR with realistically nothing to bring to the table but obedience, I’d be much more professional around my PI and cordial but not too cordial.</p>
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Just keep it simple, go with something like “I’d like to do it for credit starting next semester,” and mention that you’ll be willing to put in the time needed to attain that level of proficiency over the course of this semester.</p>
<p>edit: or replace “credit” with independent work/money/whatever combination of things you’d like.</p>
<p>^^^ thanks for the input.</p>