Working alongside a researcher (research scientist or graduate student) is NOT required or necessary for a successful and impactful science fair project. However, if this is the direction you want to go, below is advice for where to start.
Think about what broad area of science most appeals to you.
Look at the Purdue department website and see what research the faculty in the department are doing.
If you Google “Purdue Biology Faculty” or “Purdue Chemistry Faculty” you should be able to find a page that lists the researchers and describes their area of study.
Example (look for a page like this) https://www.bio.purdue.edu/People/faculty/index.php
If the research sounds interesting, find recent publications about that topic and see if you can follow along. Be sure to read some publications by the researcher you want to work with.
Reach out!
The next step is to compose an email. I recommend that you compose a draft email in a Google doc and share it with me. I will give you feedback before you send it.
Don’t be surprised when people do not reply. Researchers are busy. You may need to send a follow-up email. Additionally, some will say no.
It’s important for you to craft your own email so that it does not sound formulaic, but here are some general guidelines about what to include.
Check out this document!
If you'd like help, feel free to share your letter to me (leezh@student.wl.k12.in.us) and I can proofread it before you send it to the professor.