Contacting a POI through current PI?

nanotechnology
Thu, 28 Aug 2014 13:28:18 +0000

I’ve read various articles on line about how to essentially “cold call” (email) a potential PhD advisor before applying. However, there are a number of professors of interest to me who know the PI of the lab I have been a part of as an undergrad for the past 3 years. What is the generally accepted protocol on making contact in that case? Should I talk to my PI and ask her to put me in touch and make initial contact, or should I still email the professor myself and let them know that I have worked with this person they know?