5 answers
PV
Student
Pickerington, Ohio
8
Questions
Updated
873 views
How can I find a mentor?
Hello! I am a 7th grader and I have been interested into some research. I actually have been interested in posting in JEI(Journal of Emerging Investigators) which, short summary is a way to post your research built for high schoolers and middle schoolers.
I'm trying to find a research mentor for my project and I've been sending out countless cold emails to professors, graduates, PhDs, etc.. I watched multiple videos and at most hours on how to get a mentor. I also believe I have a good way to email people asking if they can mentor me.
Honestly, I've been losing hope over time and I was wondering if there is a way that I can get a mentor more quick.
extra info: I want this research to be in relation to cognitive sciences and Neuro-related.
5 answers
Asia Howard
L5 Area Manager
20
Answers
Jacksonville, Florida
Updated
Asia’s Answer
Hi, don't give up. Cold emailing professors is hard for everyone, even college students. Most professors are very busy, so silence usually doesn't mean "no." It often just means they never saw the email. Here are some ways to find a mentor faster.
🎯 Programs built to match students with mentors
These are often quicker than cold emails, because the mentors have already signed up to help:
Polygence: matches students with PhD mentors, and neuroscience is a popular topic. It costs money, but they offer financial aid.
Pioneer Academics and Lumiere Research Scholar Program: similar programs. Some are for older students, so check the age rules.
JEI itself: look at JEI's website for mentor or reviewer resources. JEI was started by Harvard grad students to help young researchers.
Science fair groups: your local or state science fair (part of Regeneron ISEF or Broadcom MASTERS for middle schoolers) often knows scientists who volunteer.
University outreach: many universities run neuroscience outreach events, like Brain Awareness Week or "Brain Bee" competitions. These are great places to meet grad students in person.
✉️ Tips to make your emails work better
Email grad students and postdocs, not just professors. They usually have more time and are often excited to mentor.
Keep it short: about 5–6 sentences. Say who you are, what interests you about their research (be specific!), and exactly what you're asking for, like "a 20-minute call each month."
Make it easy to say yes. Ask for something small first, like one video call, instead of "Will you be my mentor?"
Follow up once after 1–2 weeks. Lots of replies come from the follow-up!
Go local. Nearby universities and community colleges reply more often than famous faraway ones.
🧠 Start without a mentor
You can begin now. Cognitive science has lots of projects you can do with free tools:
Make simple memory or reaction-time tests with PsyToolkit or Gorilla (ask an adult first).
Look at public brain data from sites like OpenNeuro.
Example question: "Does listening to music change how well students remember words?"
When you email people, having a project idea already started makes them much more likely to say yes.
⚠️ Stay safe
Always include a parent or guardian in your emails and meetings with mentors. Be careful of strangers online who offer to mentor you, especially if they ask for money or personal information. A teacher or school counselor can also help you reach out. They may even know a scientist!
You're doing something really impressive for a 7th grader. Keep going! 🚀
🎯 Programs built to match students with mentors
These are often quicker than cold emails, because the mentors have already signed up to help:
Polygence: matches students with PhD mentors, and neuroscience is a popular topic. It costs money, but they offer financial aid.
Pioneer Academics and Lumiere Research Scholar Program: similar programs. Some are for older students, so check the age rules.
JEI itself: look at JEI's website for mentor or reviewer resources. JEI was started by Harvard grad students to help young researchers.
Science fair groups: your local or state science fair (part of Regeneron ISEF or Broadcom MASTERS for middle schoolers) often knows scientists who volunteer.
University outreach: many universities run neuroscience outreach events, like Brain Awareness Week or "Brain Bee" competitions. These are great places to meet grad students in person.
✉️ Tips to make your emails work better
Email grad students and postdocs, not just professors. They usually have more time and are often excited to mentor.
Keep it short: about 5–6 sentences. Say who you are, what interests you about their research (be specific!), and exactly what you're asking for, like "a 20-minute call each month."
Make it easy to say yes. Ask for something small first, like one video call, instead of "Will you be my mentor?"
Follow up once after 1–2 weeks. Lots of replies come from the follow-up!
Go local. Nearby universities and community colleges reply more often than famous faraway ones.
🧠 Start without a mentor
You can begin now. Cognitive science has lots of projects you can do with free tools:
Make simple memory or reaction-time tests with PsyToolkit or Gorilla (ask an adult first).
Look at public brain data from sites like OpenNeuro.
Example question: "Does listening to music change how well students remember words?"
When you email people, having a project idea already started makes them much more likely to say yes.
⚠️ Stay safe
Always include a parent or guardian in your emails and meetings with mentors. Be careful of strangers online who offer to mentor you, especially if they ask for money or personal information. A teacher or school counselor can also help you reach out. They may even know a scientist!
You're doing something really impressive for a 7th grader. Keep going! 🚀
Alexander Malen
Senior Consultant
1
Answer
New Orleans, Louisiana
Updated
Alexander’s Answer
I admire your initiative. It'll take you far. What are you looking for in a mentor? How could they help you?
Thank you and I am looking for guidance, the "tricks", recommendations, how to acquire good habits, etc..
PV
1. Habits are born out of consistent repititions - you can adopt any habit that you set your mind to. Start with something small, like always making your bed in the morning. Don't miss a day. 2. Believe in your beliefs/opinions, but constantly question them. Your teachers and eventually your collegues will be older than you. They think they know better, but realize that not many were already setting the foundation for a successful future and career like you are! 3. Be comfortable saying no, and always under promise and over deliver. If you think you can get something done in 2 hrs, give yourself 4 to quality check and avoid stress. If asked 'can you can get it done in 2' say no. Protect your peace to avoid burnout and in my opinion it establishes a high level of respect with your peers.
Alexander Malen
Teklemuz Tesfay
Software Engineer and Career Mentor
722
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz’s Answer
Start by creating a simple one-page research proposal. This should include your interests, the questions you want to explore, and what you aim to learn. Having a clear plan helps others understand your goals and see if they can support your project. Look into programs like the NeuroPioneers Pathway, Nova Research Program, and D-LABS Junior Research Program for guidance and mentorship. Reach out not only to professors but also to graduate students, PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and research assistants. Your science teachers can help introduce you to people, or you can contact university neuroscience and psychology labs directly. Personal connections often work better than just sending emails. Before you join a program, check if you meet the requirements, understand its mentorship setup, and look into any costs or financial help available.
Iris Garcia
Certified Medical Assistant
30
Answers
Pasadena, Texas
Updated
Iris’s Answer
Hello PV,
First, I think it's amazing that you're already interested in research at such a young age! My advice is to not get discouraged if professors or researchers don't respond to your emails. Many have busy schedules, and it doesn't mean they aren't interested in helping. Try reaching out to your school counselor or science teachers because they may know someone who can connect you with a mentor. You can also look into universities that offer research or summer programs for middle and high school students. When emailing potential mentors, keep your message short and explain your research interests and what you hope to learn. Since you're interested in cognitive science and neuroscience, you could also start with a small research project using published studies. Don't give up! Your determination and willingness to learn will take you far. Just make sure to involve a parent or trusted teacher when connecting with mentors online.
First, I think it's amazing that you're already interested in research at such a young age! My advice is to not get discouraged if professors or researchers don't respond to your emails. Many have busy schedules, and it doesn't mean they aren't interested in helping. Try reaching out to your school counselor or science teachers because they may know someone who can connect you with a mentor. You can also look into universities that offer research or summer programs for middle and high school students. When emailing potential mentors, keep your message short and explain your research interests and what you hope to learn. Since you're interested in cognitive science and neuroscience, you could also start with a small research project using published studies. Don't give up! Your determination and willingness to learn will take you far. Just make sure to involve a parent or trusted teacher when connecting with mentors online.
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1466
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi PV,
First, I want you to know that I think it's wonderful that you're exploring research this early, especially in an area as interesting as cognitive science and neuroscience. Your curiosity is a good starting point, and I wouldn't want a few unanswered emails to discourage you from pursuing it.
However, I'd suggest changing your approach slightly. Professors and researchers often receive many requests, and some may be unable to mentor younger students because of their workload, university policies, or concerns about supervision. So, a lack of response doesn't necessarily mean your research idea isn't good.
Since you're in 7th grade, I'd encourage you to look beyond university professors. Speak with your science teacher, school counsellor, or principal and ask whether they know anyone working in psychology, biology, neuroscience, or a related field. Your teachers may have professional contacts who are more accessible. You could also ask your parents or guardians to help you connect with local universities, research centres, and science outreach programmes.
Another suggestion is to approach graduate students, PhD candidates, and early-career researchers. They may have more time to offer guidance than senior professors. You could also explore science fairs, student research programmes, and online neuroscience communities with appropriate adult supervision.
One thing I'd really encourage you to do is start developing your research idea while looking for a mentor. Read introductory research papers, identify a manageable research question, and prepare a one-page proposal explaining what you want to investigate, why it interests you, and how you hope to approach it. This gives potential mentors something concrete to review.
Also, please don't feel that you must publish in JEI immediately for your efforts to count. Learning how research works, asking good questions, and developing scientific thinking are valuable achievements in themselves.
Keep reaching out, but don't measure your potential by how many people respond to your emails. You're starting early, and that's an advantage worth building on. I hope you find someone who can guide your curiosity in the right direction!
Best wishes!
First, I want you to know that I think it's wonderful that you're exploring research this early, especially in an area as interesting as cognitive science and neuroscience. Your curiosity is a good starting point, and I wouldn't want a few unanswered emails to discourage you from pursuing it.
However, I'd suggest changing your approach slightly. Professors and researchers often receive many requests, and some may be unable to mentor younger students because of their workload, university policies, or concerns about supervision. So, a lack of response doesn't necessarily mean your research idea isn't good.
Since you're in 7th grade, I'd encourage you to look beyond university professors. Speak with your science teacher, school counsellor, or principal and ask whether they know anyone working in psychology, biology, neuroscience, or a related field. Your teachers may have professional contacts who are more accessible. You could also ask your parents or guardians to help you connect with local universities, research centres, and science outreach programmes.
Another suggestion is to approach graduate students, PhD candidates, and early-career researchers. They may have more time to offer guidance than senior professors. You could also explore science fairs, student research programmes, and online neuroscience communities with appropriate adult supervision.
One thing I'd really encourage you to do is start developing your research idea while looking for a mentor. Read introductory research papers, identify a manageable research question, and prepare a one-page proposal explaining what you want to investigate, why it interests you, and how you hope to approach it. This gives potential mentors something concrete to review.
Also, please don't feel that you must publish in JEI immediately for your efforts to count. Learning how research works, asking good questions, and developing scientific thinking are valuable achievements in themselves.
Keep reaching out, but don't measure your potential by how many people respond to your emails. You're starting early, and that's an advantage worth building on. I hope you find someone who can guide your curiosity in the right direction!
Best wishes!
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