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What is the best way to reach out to college professors you have not had classes with about getting involved in undergraduate research in their lab?

(#Spring26) I am currently a graduating high school senior committed to college for Biochemistry and Biophysics and planning to pursue a career in biomedical research on genetic engineering for treatment of neurological cancers and Alzheimer's disease. There is a professor at my school in the Chemical and Biological Engineering department who is currently doing research that closely aligns with my interest area and ultimate career goals and I would love to reach out about working on this project as part of an undergraduate research opportunity next year but am not sure exactly how and when I should go about doing this.

college college-advice spring26 career-advice research biochemistry biomedical-science
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Elandria’s Answer

It can be daunting to do at first, but I highly recommend cold emailing them, just as the other person who answered suggested. It's completely fine and quite common within academia to cold email (email someone without having prior contact with them) people whose work interests you. That's how connections are often made. Professors dedicate huge portions of their lives to the areas that interest them--most are eager to engage with others who are willing to listen to them talk about their work and share their intrigue.

As for the content of the email, introduce yourself (name, student status/year, major, goals, interests) and express your interest in some of the specifics of their research to establish that you have an invested interest in their work. Then, conclude with a question that opens up future discussion of potentially working in their lab, such as asking if they have room for another research assistant or to at least talk to them more about the work done in their lab. Also, as for timing, the sooner the better! (Though, just be aware of the busy times of the semester and know that emails may get buried or not be replied to for a while during those times.) I hope everything goes well!
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Shaun’s Answer

I would cold email them. Find their email in the university directory and send them an email explaining what you said above and ask if they have time to meet. You could see if they were free to grab coffee or have open office hours. I would find time to meet with them in person and be able to ask your questions and learn more about their research and be able to share your goals and see if there could be a way to work together in the future. Good luck!
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