Approaching A Researcher

[capnamerica]

I am interested in the research of a researcher at Sick Kids. What's the best way to approach him? Email? Phone? In person?

[vanillabear]

Email... follow up with a phone call in a week or so I'd say... but make sure to mention in the email that you'll call in a week if you don't hear back.

[docmm]

Calling or even suggesting a call is a little bit bold in my opinion. I'm not advising against it but it's just something I would never do...but then again any research I've ever done has not been paid.

[NewfieMike]

brief email, request a meeting in person to talk about it further.

[EoE]

Are you in undergrad? Story: my supervisor is a busy clinician-scientist and his admin assistant has a standing order to delete all emails from prospective undergrad students without him seeing them. She also screens grad student applications for him. The undergrad students that end up in our lab either exploit a personal connection or are appropriately aggressive with followup calls and making a meeting to talk about potential projects, etc.

 

I think the email+'threat' of a phone call and then a followup call is a great idea. Especially at Sick Kids, since I know a lot of those researchers are busy busy busy. Some really good work is being done there, hopefully you get a chance to help! It can be so rewarding!