Well, the research was in a lab with two other people. One was a grad student and one was a senior in college. My son did have an extensive physics background (apx 7-8 college physics courses including the upper division courses), but even so, I think the research was new. It was very relaxed and my son was given a key to the lab. He built an optical trap, and I guess did research on that? His math background gave him adequate preparation, I guess.
I think you should go for it and reach out to a professor at SJSU, let them know your background, and see if they’ll let you do some research, audit a class or something like that.
I was the one who emailed the professor since I was looking for an upper division physics course for my son. Once he responded, my son met with him and took it from there.
Hopefully I could get accepted!