<p>i recently emailed a potential mentor for research in the intel program,
and the mentor responds with a "stop by anytime, so and so knows where we are"</p>
<p>anyone done this kind of thing before? is there proper etiquette? like, phoning or emailing her before "stopping by", what to bring, if i need to read up on some material or anything?</p>
<p>Definitely have some idea of what the professor studies. Like, if you can read a paper he/she wrote, do it. Sure, you won't understand all of it, but at least then you will have a basic idea of what is going on and something to ask questions about.</p>
<p>It would be polite to phone and say something like "would it be all right if i come by this afternoon? I'm looking forward to meeting you." This also will save you a trip if the professor has a meeting or something.</p>
<p>Also, try to dress semi-nicely - this is a bit like an interview where your dress makes an impression. No evening gowns necessary, but your torn jeans and slept in t-shirt might not be the perfect choice. Also, many labs require closed toed shoes and pants rather than shorts or a short skirt for safety reasons, as well as having your hair pulled back. Obviously in a social science lab this won't be an issue, but if you are visiting a chem lab, then it might be.</p>
<p>thanks for the advice! definitely will take that all into consideration!</p>
<p>i replied via email, but have yet to hear from her again..bad sign?
(though i replied saying i would contact her later regarding meeting her)</p>
<p>Bring a resume and examples of your work such as bringing a lab report, research paper, etc. Sometimes labs hire promising h.s. students for summer jobs or parttime employment during the school year. You never know, so be prepared for this possibility.</p>
<p>Whatever happens, follow-up with a handwritten thank-you letter. The person took time with you, and will deserve a formal thank-you.</p>