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How can I cold email professor for research opportunities?
Hi! I’m a junior in high school based in Chicago and want to start researching about medical related topic (neuro disorder, anything!) and was wondering if anyone have any tips! Recently I emailed Chanlab at northwestern but would like some more recommendations like if there’s any lab that accept high school student. Hospital volunteers would be great too if anyone have any information! Thank you
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Sijoy’s Answer
Hi Uyen,
It's fantastic that you are already looking into research opportunities while still in high school. This kind of initiative is really impressive and will benefit you greatly. I know reaching out to professors can feel a bit daunting, so here are some simple steps to help you make a good impression:
1. Learn about their work: Check out the professor's research and mention something specific that truly interests you.
2. Keep it short: Write three to four brief paragraphs, as professors are often busy.
3. Introduce yourself: Let them know you are a high school junior from Chicago interested in medical topics like neuro disorders.
4. State your purpose: Explain that you are eager to learn and help out, even with small tasks.
5. Be open: Tell them you are willing to volunteer, shadow, or assist with basic research tasks.
6. End politely: Thank them for their time and consideration.
I am sharing a sample email for your reference, you don't have to use the same format but can use the idea and create your own email structure:
Subject: High School Student Interested in Research Opportunities
Dear Professor [Last Name],
My name is Uyen, and I am a junior in high school in Chicago with a strong interest in medical research, especially neuro disorders. I recently learned about your work on [specific topic], and I find it inspiring.
I would love to learn more about research in your lab. I am eager to help in any way, whether through volunteering, shadowing, or assisting with basic tasks and I am committed to learning and supporting your team.
Thank you very much for considering my request. I truly appreciate your time and guidance.
Sincerely,
Uyen
Additionally, you might explore:
1. University labs: Northwestern, University of Chicago, and Loyola sometimes welcome motivated high school students.
2. Hospital volunteering: Programs at Northwestern Memorial, Rush University Medical Center, or Lurie Children’s Hospital can give you exposure to clinical settings.
3. Summer programs: Many universities offer research internships or STEM camps for high school students, which can be a great starting point.
Even if you don't get a "yes" right away, each email builds your confidence. Professors admire curiosity and persistence, think of each message as planting seeds that may grow into opportunities over time.
Good luck as you continue exploring.
It's fantastic that you are already looking into research opportunities while still in high school. This kind of initiative is really impressive and will benefit you greatly. I know reaching out to professors can feel a bit daunting, so here are some simple steps to help you make a good impression:
1. Learn about their work: Check out the professor's research and mention something specific that truly interests you.
2. Keep it short: Write three to four brief paragraphs, as professors are often busy.
3. Introduce yourself: Let them know you are a high school junior from Chicago interested in medical topics like neuro disorders.
4. State your purpose: Explain that you are eager to learn and help out, even with small tasks.
5. Be open: Tell them you are willing to volunteer, shadow, or assist with basic research tasks.
6. End politely: Thank them for their time and consideration.
I am sharing a sample email for your reference, you don't have to use the same format but can use the idea and create your own email structure:
Subject: High School Student Interested in Research Opportunities
Dear Professor [Last Name],
My name is Uyen, and I am a junior in high school in Chicago with a strong interest in medical research, especially neuro disorders. I recently learned about your work on [specific topic], and I find it inspiring.
I would love to learn more about research in your lab. I am eager to help in any way, whether through volunteering, shadowing, or assisting with basic tasks and I am committed to learning and supporting your team.
Thank you very much for considering my request. I truly appreciate your time and guidance.
Sincerely,
Uyen
Additionally, you might explore:
1. University labs: Northwestern, University of Chicago, and Loyola sometimes welcome motivated high school students.
2. Hospital volunteering: Programs at Northwestern Memorial, Rush University Medical Center, or Lurie Children’s Hospital can give you exposure to clinical settings.
3. Summer programs: Many universities offer research internships or STEM camps for high school students, which can be a great starting point.
Even if you don't get a "yes" right away, each email builds your confidence. Professors admire curiosity and persistence, think of each message as planting seeds that may grow into opportunities over time.
Good luck as you continue exploring.
Hi! Thank you for your answer!! I really appreciated it, would you recommend talking about my personal work that are related in some way to their field of research? When I email chanlab I mention my work on my healthcare non-profit. Should I keep doing that or just skip that part and just attach my resume?
Uyen
Updated
Martha D.’s Answer
What a terrific interest, Uyen, and Sijoy has given you excellent advice. I might focus on gaining experience and developing relationships through existing educational programs as opposed to reaching out with no prior contact.
The first link below is to a set of educational and research experiences through Northwestern University's medical school.
The second link is a list of research opportunities compiled by Pioneer Academics.
Two additional points:
1) Many opportunities are in the summer, but this gives you time to research for next summer
2) There are several research programs costing high school students thousands of dollars (not counting travel costs) to participate. Be cautious before signing up. At least one says there is contact with professors but it is really with undergraduates. And some don't offer much actual hands-on experience.
I hope this helps and wish you good luck!
Northwestern Medicine - https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/stem-programs/hs.html
Pioneer Academics - https://pioneeracademics.com/news/top-15-research-programs-for-high-school-students-in-chicago/
The first link below is to a set of educational and research experiences through Northwestern University's medical school.
The second link is a list of research opportunities compiled by Pioneer Academics.
Two additional points:
1) Many opportunities are in the summer, but this gives you time to research for next summer
2) There are several research programs costing high school students thousands of dollars (not counting travel costs) to participate. Be cautious before signing up. At least one says there is contact with professors but it is really with undergraduates. And some don't offer much actual hands-on experience.
I hope this helps and wish you good luck!
Martha D. recommends the following next steps:
Hi! Thank you for your advice! I actually first started by looking at research program but most are highly prestigious and hard to get in, for that reason i decided to move toward emails! I heard great thing about cold email and the opportunities it gave. Hopefully some professors will be generous and let me shadow/work at their lab :)
Uyen