A High Schooler’s Guide to Doing Research (Extra): Finding Mentorship & Collaborators

Throughout this series, I've covered the entire research process: from curiosity and topic selection all the way to publishing and competing. But here’s the truth: very few researchers do it all alone. Behind every strong project is often a network of mentors, peers, and collaborators who provide guidance, feedback, and partnership.

For high schoolers especially, mentorship and collaboration can be the difference between struggling in isolation and thriving with support. Yet many students feel unsure about how to find a mentor, reach out to professors, or work with peers effectively. That’s why this “extra” installment is dedicated to strategies for building those connections - both with experts and with fellow students.

Why Mentorship and Collaboration Matter

Mentorship accelerates your growth. A mentor can save you from common mistakes, point you toward useful resources, and inspire you to think bigger. Collaborators help share the workload, offer different perspectives, and push you creatively. Together, they expand what you’re capable of achieving.

Without mentorship, you may spend months reinventing the wheel. Without collaborators, you may miss insights outside your own perspective. With them, you gain both knowledge and confidence.

Understanding the Role of Mentors

A mentor isn’t someone who does the work for you. They are a guide — someone who can answer questions, provide feedback, and open doors. For high school students, mentors can take many forms:

• Teachers – Sometimes overlooked, but teachers can provide valuable insight and connections.

• Professors – College faculty often welcome curious students and may allow you to join a lab or project.

• Professionals – People working in industries related to your interest can provide real-world perspectives.

• Older Students – Undergraduates, graduate students, or even advanced high school peers can serve as near-peer mentors who are relatable and approachable.

The key is not to expect one mentor to be everything. Instead, think of building a “mentor mosaic” - different people who each help with different aspects of your growth.

Reaching Out — The Cold Email Strategy

One of the most effective ways to find mentors is through cold emailing. I’ve shared a cold email series before, and the principles are worth repeating here:

1. Do your homework: Never email someone blindly. Read their work, check their lab website, or understand what they specialize in.

2. Be specific

3. Be respectful of time: Professors and professionals are busy. Ask for something small at first — like a 15-minute call, feedback on an idea, or advice on where to start.

4. Show initiative: Mention what you’ve already done - classes, projects, skills - so they see you’re serious.

5. Keep it short: A concise, polite message is far more likely to get a response than a long essay.

   
   

Cold emailing can feel intimidating, but many researchers are excited to support motivated students. Even if only one in ten replies, that’s enough to make a big difference.

Finding Collaborators

Collaboration is about peers, not just mentors. Working with others can turn a solo project into something richer and more impactful. But finding the right collaborators requires thought. Here's some tips:

• Look for shared interests: A friend who loves coding might complement your biology knowledge in a bioinformatics project.

• Value complementary skills: Diversity is powerful. Don’t just team up with someone who thinks like you - choose someone who brings different strengths.

• Set clear roles: One of the biggest challenges in collaboration is miscommunication. Decide early who is responsible for what, how you’ll share data, and how you’ll handle disagreements.

• Communicate regularly: Use shared documents, group chats, or regular check-ins. Collaboration thrives on consistency.

  
  

Great collaborators don’t just lighten the workload; they elevate the work by introducing perspectives you wouldn’t have considered on your own.

Where to Find Mentors and Collaborators

Mentors and collaborators don’t appear magically - you have to seek them out. Here are some practical starting points:

• Teachers and School Clubs – Science Olympiad, Robotics, Debate, or Research Club advisors often know people in their networks

• University Outreach Programs – Many universities have programs for high school researchers (e.g., summer research internships)

• Conferences and Competitions – Presenting your work puts you in the same space as judges, peers, and potential mentors

• Online Communities – Platforms like LinkedIn, Discord servers, and research forums allow you to connect with peers globally

• Cold Emailing Experts – As mentioned, sometimes the direct approach works best

  
  

Building Lasting Relationships

Finding a mentor or collaborator is only the first step. Maintaining the relationship is just as important.

• Follow up: If someone helps you, send an update later to show how their advice paid off.

• Give back: Even as a high schooler, you can offer value - whether that’s enthusiasm, sharing resources, or supporting their initiatives.

• Be professional: Show up on time, meet deadlines, and treat collaborators with respect.

• Express gratitude: A simple thank-you goes a long way.

Long-term relationships matter because research is rarely a one-time thing. The same mentor who helps you now might write you a recommendation in the future, or the collaborator on one project may become your co-founder on another.

Overcoming Challenges

Not every mentorship or collaboration will be perfect. Some mentors may not respond. Some collaborations may fall apart. That’s normal. The key is persistence and reflection. If a partnership doesn’t work, ask yourself what you can learn from it and move forward. Over time, you’ll develop a sense for who’s reliable, supportive, and aligned with your goals.

Final Verdict

Finding mentors and collaborators is not about luck — it’s about effort, persistence, and openness. Mentors provide wisdom and guidance. Collaborators bring creativity and support. Together, they create an ecosystem where your research can grow stronger than you ever imagined on your own.

As you move forward in your journey, remember that research is both an individual pursuit and a collective one. Your curiosity may start alone, but your impact multiplies when you connect with others. With the right mentors and collaborators, your projects can reach heights you never thought possible.

About the Author: I'm Jophy Lin, a high school junior and researcher. I blog about a variety of topics, such as STEM research, competitions, shows, and my experiences in the scientific community. If you’re interested in research tips, competition insights, drama reviews, personal reflections on STEM opportunities, and other related topics, subscribe to my newsletter to stay updated!