5 answers
Ava
Student
2
Questions
Asked
1341 views
Cold emailing and research as a high school student?
I am interested in being involved with research labs and research projects but feel that I cannot do that until college. I live in an area with little large colleges and universities near me so I find it difficult to get involved with research. I am interested in cold emailing professors for research opportunities and was wondering if it was acceptable to be doing that as a high school sophomore. If not, would anyone suggest ways to be involved in research, either paid or unpaid?
If you're a professor or have experience would you help answer my questions? Thank you.
Login to comment
5 answers
Hwal Lee
DMSc, PA-C
234
Answers
Albany, New York
Updated
Hwal’s Answer
Ava,
Yes, it is acceptable to reach out to investigators about opportunities. Firstly, I did it successfully myself when I sent a handful of emails to investigators in my area and asked them about research involvement opportunities. One of them responded and I ended up working in her lab for about 2 years, and it was one of the most exciting experiences I've ever had. I was a college senior at the time, but the lab hosted more than one high school student to get involved, so I would encourage you to teach out.
Let me also share a list of short-term internship opportunities for middle school and high school students:
https://www.cdc.gov/fellowships/php/opportunities/applying-for-middle-and-high-school-students-opportunities.html
Let me know if you have any specific questions.
Hwal
Yes, it is acceptable to reach out to investigators about opportunities. Firstly, I did it successfully myself when I sent a handful of emails to investigators in my area and asked them about research involvement opportunities. One of them responded and I ended up working in her lab for about 2 years, and it was one of the most exciting experiences I've ever had. I was a college senior at the time, but the lab hosted more than one high school student to get involved, so I would encourage you to teach out.
Let me also share a list of short-term internship opportunities for middle school and high school students:
https://www.cdc.gov/fellowships/php/opportunities/applying-for-middle-and-high-school-students-opportunities.html
Let me know if you have any specific questions.
Hwal
Thank you for the advice, Hwal.
Ava
Michelle M.
Actress
2208
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Ava !
I am very impressed with your ambition ! My advice may be different than others, but it pays to try a variety of things. At 15 years old, you most certainly can do research experiments at your high school, especially since you've said that the universities are rather far away from where you live.
Your first step is to meet with the science teacher at your high school and explain that you want to start a science research group at your school. A teacher should be able to discuss how clubs and groups are started. Write up a description of the group, the purpose. My advice is to do this first before anything.
Like I mentioned, my advice may sound different, but I must suggest that you do not e-mail college professors for the purpose of doing lab research. Stick to your high school. Why ? College professors are not authorized to teach or work with high school students or grade/evaluate/review them as in reports. You can try it, but I advise not to as opportunities do exist for you and especially since the colleges are a distance away, and college professors are usually on campus during the daytime while you are in high school classes. There are alternatives and it should be done in person on site, of course. If you get a group together at school, you can come up with experiments and discoveries and get ideas from the internet.
I am not sure what made you feel that you couldn't do this until college,(as you've stated). This is a good time to discover that you can do it in high school.
There are also Science Lab Summer Camps for kids that you could probably apply to work at and lead the children in lab work. You didn't indicate your town and state so I can't refer you to any. You can ask your school or do a search online to see if any of these camps are near you. Become aware of any Science Fairs that your High School may plan. Also visit your local library to see what activities or groups they offer.
It is also okay to do experiments on your own and publish your reports on websites such as Research Gate, Zenodo, Google Scholar and more that you can find by doing a search. You can start a group or do independent research faster than waiting to hear back from professors whose days are filled with their college students and all the extra work professors do.
I wish you well in whatever you do and hope that you obtain an opportunity soon !
I am very impressed with your ambition ! My advice may be different than others, but it pays to try a variety of things. At 15 years old, you most certainly can do research experiments at your high school, especially since you've said that the universities are rather far away from where you live.
Your first step is to meet with the science teacher at your high school and explain that you want to start a science research group at your school. A teacher should be able to discuss how clubs and groups are started. Write up a description of the group, the purpose. My advice is to do this first before anything.
Like I mentioned, my advice may sound different, but I must suggest that you do not e-mail college professors for the purpose of doing lab research. Stick to your high school. Why ? College professors are not authorized to teach or work with high school students or grade/evaluate/review them as in reports. You can try it, but I advise not to as opportunities do exist for you and especially since the colleges are a distance away, and college professors are usually on campus during the daytime while you are in high school classes. There are alternatives and it should be done in person on site, of course. If you get a group together at school, you can come up with experiments and discoveries and get ideas from the internet.
I am not sure what made you feel that you couldn't do this until college,(as you've stated). This is a good time to discover that you can do it in high school.
There are also Science Lab Summer Camps for kids that you could probably apply to work at and lead the children in lab work. You didn't indicate your town and state so I can't refer you to any. You can ask your school or do a search online to see if any of these camps are near you. Become aware of any Science Fairs that your High School may plan. Also visit your local library to see what activities or groups they offer.
It is also okay to do experiments on your own and publish your reports on websites such as Research Gate, Zenodo, Google Scholar and more that you can find by doing a search. You can start a group or do independent research faster than waiting to hear back from professors whose days are filled with their college students and all the extra work professors do.
I wish you well in whatever you do and hope that you obtain an opportunity soon !
Nauman Tahir Farooqi
10
Answers
Updated
Nauman Tahir’s Answer
Hello Ava,
Absolutely! you can get involved in research as a high school sophomore! In fact, starting early shows initiative and passion, qualities that professors and researchers highly value. While you have a pretty good idea on where to start, let me start with the cold-emailing bit.
Cold emailing is acceptable as long as your emails are polite, professional, and concise. Look up professors whose research interests align with yours. Read some of their papers (even just abstracts and conclusions) to understand what they do. Craft a thoughtful email. Introduce yourself, explain your interests, and mention why you’re reaching out to them specifically. Share how their work resonates with you and express your eagerness to learn. Mention that you’re willing to assist with tasks like literature reviews, data entry, or organizing resources—things that don’t require advanced expertise but are helpful to researchers.
For Example
Dear Professor xyz,
I’m Ava, a high school sophomore deeply interested in [their specific field]. I recently came across your research on [topic] and was fascinated by [specific detail].
While I’m still early in my academic journey, I’m eager to learn and contribute to ongoing research. I’d be grateful for any opportunity to assist with your projects, even in small ways like organizing data or reviewing literature.
Thank you for considering my request, and I’d be thrilled to hear about ways I might support your work.
xxxxxxx
While you're doing that, you can start searching for online research opportunities If local opportunities are scarce, online platforms can connect you with mentors and projects, You can try
Zooniverse: Citizen science projects in various fields.
Polygence: Connects high school students with mentors for personalized research projects.
Open Science Framework (OSF): Open projects and contribute to existing research efforts.
If you believe that research is the right field for you, you don't have to wait for a mentor. you can start your own research project. Initiate small-scale research projects independently or with the help of online communities. For example:
Identify a question in a subject that fascinates you (science, humanities, or social science).
Use free online resources like Google Scholar to review existing literature.
Analyze data from public repositories or conduct surveys in your community.
Once you’ve completed a project, aim to share your findings. Many publishers and platforms welcome student contributions, often without article processing charges (APCs). You can try
PLOS ONE: Open-access journal with no APCs for submissions from low- or middle-income countries.
eLife: Focused on life sciences; it occasionally waives APCs for early-career researchers.
The Journal of Emerging Investigators (JEI): Specifically targets middle and high school students.
Frontiers for Young Minds: Tailored to young researchers, with peer review by kids!
Search for "no APC" call for papers. Keep an eye on "Call for Papers" on these platforms, and don’t hesitate to submit your work. Many journals also have detailed guides to help new researchers navigate the submission process.
Your enthusiasm for research is a strength, and starting now gives you a head start on developing valuable skills. Don’t hesitate to reach out, experiment with projects, and explore publishing. Every step you take will prepare you for a successful academic and professional journey.
Best of luck—you’ve got this!
Platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter are excellent for networking with researchers. Follow universities, research labs, and professionals in your area of interest. You’ll often find announcements for research internships, webinars, or mentorship opportunities.
Absolutely! you can get involved in research as a high school sophomore! In fact, starting early shows initiative and passion, qualities that professors and researchers highly value. While you have a pretty good idea on where to start, let me start with the cold-emailing bit.
Cold emailing is acceptable as long as your emails are polite, professional, and concise. Look up professors whose research interests align with yours. Read some of their papers (even just abstracts and conclusions) to understand what they do. Craft a thoughtful email. Introduce yourself, explain your interests, and mention why you’re reaching out to them specifically. Share how their work resonates with you and express your eagerness to learn. Mention that you’re willing to assist with tasks like literature reviews, data entry, or organizing resources—things that don’t require advanced expertise but are helpful to researchers.
For Example
Dear Professor xyz,
I’m Ava, a high school sophomore deeply interested in [their specific field]. I recently came across your research on [topic] and was fascinated by [specific detail].
While I’m still early in my academic journey, I’m eager to learn and contribute to ongoing research. I’d be grateful for any opportunity to assist with your projects, even in small ways like organizing data or reviewing literature.
Thank you for considering my request, and I’d be thrilled to hear about ways I might support your work.
xxxxxxx
While you're doing that, you can start searching for online research opportunities If local opportunities are scarce, online platforms can connect you with mentors and projects, You can try
Zooniverse: Citizen science projects in various fields.
Polygence: Connects high school students with mentors for personalized research projects.
Open Science Framework (OSF): Open projects and contribute to existing research efforts.
If you believe that research is the right field for you, you don't have to wait for a mentor. you can start your own research project. Initiate small-scale research projects independently or with the help of online communities. For example:
Identify a question in a subject that fascinates you (science, humanities, or social science).
Use free online resources like Google Scholar to review existing literature.
Analyze data from public repositories or conduct surveys in your community.
Once you’ve completed a project, aim to share your findings. Many publishers and platforms welcome student contributions, often without article processing charges (APCs). You can try
PLOS ONE: Open-access journal with no APCs for submissions from low- or middle-income countries.
eLife: Focused on life sciences; it occasionally waives APCs for early-career researchers.
The Journal of Emerging Investigators (JEI): Specifically targets middle and high school students.
Frontiers for Young Minds: Tailored to young researchers, with peer review by kids!
Search for "no APC" call for papers. Keep an eye on "Call for Papers" on these platforms, and don’t hesitate to submit your work. Many journals also have detailed guides to help new researchers navigate the submission process.
Your enthusiasm for research is a strength, and starting now gives you a head start on developing valuable skills. Don’t hesitate to reach out, experiment with projects, and explore publishing. Every step you take will prepare you for a successful academic and professional journey.
Best of luck—you’ve got this!
Nauman Tahir recommends the following next steps:
Thank you!
Ava
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian-Nutritionist & Software Developer since 1972 🡆 Optimization Of Human Performance
7220
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Ava!
Cold Emailing Professors for Research Opportunities as a High School Student
1. Acceptability of Cold Emailing Professors
It is entirely acceptable for high school students to reach out to professors via cold emailing, especially if you are genuinely interested in research. Many professors appreciate the enthusiasm and initiative shown by younger students who seek to engage in academic research. While it may be more common for college students to pursue these opportunities, high school students can also successfully secure positions in research labs.
2. Crafting Your Cold Email
When composing your email, consider the following components:
Subject Line: Make it clear and concise. For example, “High School Student Interested in Research Opportunities.”
Introduction: Start with a brief introduction about yourself, including your name, grade level, and any relevant background information (e.g., coursework or projects related to the professor’s field).
Purpose of Email: Clearly state why you are reaching out. Mention your interest in their specific research area and how it aligns with your academic goals.
Request for Opportunity: Politely inquire if there are any available opportunities for you to assist in their lab or projects. Be open to both paid and unpaid positions.
Closing: Thank them for their time and consideration. Include your contact information and express willingness to provide further information about yourself.
3. Finding Research Opportunities
In addition to cold emailing professors, consider these alternative methods to get involved in research:
Local Universities and Colleges: Even if they are small institutions, they may have faculty members engaged in research who would welcome assistance from high school students.
Summer Programs: Look into summer research programs designed for high school students. These programs often provide structured experiences that can enhance your skills and knowledge.
Internships: Some organizations offer internships specifically aimed at high school students interested in science or medicine.
Online Research Projects: With the rise of remote work, some researchers may have online projects that allow participation from anywhere.
4. Networking
Networking can also play a crucial role in finding research opportunities:
Attend Local Events: Participate in science fairs, workshops, or seminars where you might meet professionals who could guide you toward opportunities.
Utilize Social Media: Platforms like LinkedIn can help you connect with professionals in your field of interest.
5. Conclusion
In summary, cold emailing professors is not only acceptable but can be an effective way for high school students like yourself to explore research opportunities. By crafting a thoughtful email and considering various avenues for involvement, you can enhance your chances of participating in meaningful research experiences before entering college.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
1. American Psychological Association (APA)
The APA provides guidelines on professional communication and networking within academia, emphasizing the importance of outreach by students at all educational levels.
2. National Institutes of Health (NIH)
The NIH offers resources on student engagement in research activities, including tips on how young scholars can find mentors and participate in scientific inquiry.
3. Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR)
CUR promotes undergraduate research but also discusses pathways for high school students seeking early exposure to academic research environments through mentorships and internships.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|==========================God Bless You, Richly!==========================|
|===========================James Constantine===========================|
|==============THE LITTLE OLD AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN==============|
|===================Programming For Your Nutrition Education=================|
|============================~ Since 1972!==============================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
Cold Emailing Professors for Research Opportunities as a High School Student
1. Acceptability of Cold Emailing Professors
It is entirely acceptable for high school students to reach out to professors via cold emailing, especially if you are genuinely interested in research. Many professors appreciate the enthusiasm and initiative shown by younger students who seek to engage in academic research. While it may be more common for college students to pursue these opportunities, high school students can also successfully secure positions in research labs.
2. Crafting Your Cold Email
When composing your email, consider the following components:
Subject Line: Make it clear and concise. For example, “High School Student Interested in Research Opportunities.”
Introduction: Start with a brief introduction about yourself, including your name, grade level, and any relevant background information (e.g., coursework or projects related to the professor’s field).
Purpose of Email: Clearly state why you are reaching out. Mention your interest in their specific research area and how it aligns with your academic goals.
Request for Opportunity: Politely inquire if there are any available opportunities for you to assist in their lab or projects. Be open to both paid and unpaid positions.
Closing: Thank them for their time and consideration. Include your contact information and express willingness to provide further information about yourself.
3. Finding Research Opportunities
In addition to cold emailing professors, consider these alternative methods to get involved in research:
Local Universities and Colleges: Even if they are small institutions, they may have faculty members engaged in research who would welcome assistance from high school students.
Summer Programs: Look into summer research programs designed for high school students. These programs often provide structured experiences that can enhance your skills and knowledge.
Internships: Some organizations offer internships specifically aimed at high school students interested in science or medicine.
Online Research Projects: With the rise of remote work, some researchers may have online projects that allow participation from anywhere.
4. Networking
Networking can also play a crucial role in finding research opportunities:
Attend Local Events: Participate in science fairs, workshops, or seminars where you might meet professionals who could guide you toward opportunities.
Utilize Social Media: Platforms like LinkedIn can help you connect with professionals in your field of interest.
5. Conclusion
In summary, cold emailing professors is not only acceptable but can be an effective way for high school students like yourself to explore research opportunities. By crafting a thoughtful email and considering various avenues for involvement, you can enhance your chances of participating in meaningful research experiences before entering college.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
1. American Psychological Association (APA)
The APA provides guidelines on professional communication and networking within academia, emphasizing the importance of outreach by students at all educational levels.
2. National Institutes of Health (NIH)
The NIH offers resources on student engagement in research activities, including tips on how young scholars can find mentors and participate in scientific inquiry.
3. Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR)
CUR promotes undergraduate research but also discusses pathways for high school students seeking early exposure to academic research environments through mentorships and internships.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|==========================God Bless You, Richly!==========================|
|===========================James Constantine===========================|
|==============THE LITTLE OLD AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN==============|
|===================Programming For Your Nutrition Education=================|
|============================~ Since 1972!==============================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
Thank you for giving me advice.
Ava
Yes Career Village Is A Mighty Site! God Bless You!
James Constantine Frangos
Mbah Wai-Tanyi Aguh
Agronomist
66
Answers
New Rochelle, New York
Updated
Mbah Wai-Tanyi’s Answer
Hi Ava,
Cold emailing professors for research opportunities is definitely acceptable, even as a high school sophomore. In fact, it shows your enthusiasm, initiative, and dedication to pursuing research experiences.
Here are some tips for cold emailing professors:
1. Research the professor's work: Before reaching out, familiarize yourself with the professor's research interests and publications. This will help you tailor your email and demonstrate your genuine interest.
2. Introduce yourself: Clearly state your name, grade level, and interests. Be concise and professional.
3. Explain why you're interested: Describe why you're interested in the professor's research and how it aligns with your goals.
4. Show your skills: Highlight any relevant skills, courses, or experiences you have.
5. Be respectful and polite: Use proper salutations, grammar, and punctuation.
Here's an example email:
Subject: Expressed Interest in Research Opportunities
Dear Professor [Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. My name is Ava, and I'm a high school sophomore with a strong passion for [specific field/area of research]. I came across your work on [specific research topic] and was impressed by the impact it could have on [related field].
I'm reaching out to inquire about potential research opportunities in your lab. I understand that I'm still in high school, but I'm eager to learn and contribute to meaningful projects. I've taken [relevant courses] and have developed skills in [relevant skills].
If there are any opportunities available, I'd be thrilled to discuss further. Please let me know if this is something we could explore.
Thank you for considering my email. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
Ava
As for alternative ways to get involved in research:
1. Reach out to local colleges or universities: Even if they're not large institutions, they might still have research opportunities available.
2. Online research platforms: Websites like Science Fair Project Ideas, STEM Resources, or the National Science Foundation's Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program can provide opportunities for high school students.
3. Research competitions: Participate in science fairs, Olympiads, or other competitions to demonstrate your research skills.
4. Volunteer or intern: Look for volunteer or internship opportunities at local research institutions, hospitals, or organizations.
5. Citizen science projects: Join online platforms like Zooniverse, Citizen Science Alliance, or SciStarter, which offer opportunities for public participation in scientific research.
Remember, Ava, that getting involved in research takes time, effort, and perseverance. Don't be discouraged if you face rejections or setbacks. Keep exploring opportunities, and you'll increase your chances of success.
Good luck, and I hope you find a research opportunity that suits your interests!
Cold emailing professors for research opportunities is definitely acceptable, even as a high school sophomore. In fact, it shows your enthusiasm, initiative, and dedication to pursuing research experiences.
Here are some tips for cold emailing professors:
1. Research the professor's work: Before reaching out, familiarize yourself with the professor's research interests and publications. This will help you tailor your email and demonstrate your genuine interest.
2. Introduce yourself: Clearly state your name, grade level, and interests. Be concise and professional.
3. Explain why you're interested: Describe why you're interested in the professor's research and how it aligns with your goals.
4. Show your skills: Highlight any relevant skills, courses, or experiences you have.
5. Be respectful and polite: Use proper salutations, grammar, and punctuation.
Here's an example email:
Subject: Expressed Interest in Research Opportunities
Dear Professor [Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. My name is Ava, and I'm a high school sophomore with a strong passion for [specific field/area of research]. I came across your work on [specific research topic] and was impressed by the impact it could have on [related field].
I'm reaching out to inquire about potential research opportunities in your lab. I understand that I'm still in high school, but I'm eager to learn and contribute to meaningful projects. I've taken [relevant courses] and have developed skills in [relevant skills].
If there are any opportunities available, I'd be thrilled to discuss further. Please let me know if this is something we could explore.
Thank you for considering my email. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
Ava
As for alternative ways to get involved in research:
1. Reach out to local colleges or universities: Even if they're not large institutions, they might still have research opportunities available.
2. Online research platforms: Websites like Science Fair Project Ideas, STEM Resources, or the National Science Foundation's Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program can provide opportunities for high school students.
3. Research competitions: Participate in science fairs, Olympiads, or other competitions to demonstrate your research skills.
4. Volunteer or intern: Look for volunteer or internship opportunities at local research institutions, hospitals, or organizations.
5. Citizen science projects: Join online platforms like Zooniverse, Citizen Science Alliance, or SciStarter, which offer opportunities for public participation in scientific research.
Remember, Ava, that getting involved in research takes time, effort, and perseverance. Don't be discouraged if you face rejections or setbacks. Keep exploring opportunities, and you'll increase your chances of success.
Good luck, and I hope you find a research opportunity that suits your interests!
Thank you, Mbah Wai-Tanyi for the advice.
Ava