<p>So how would the email look like if I did not have a proposal and simply wanted to work as an assistant. However, I would not want to be treated simply as the test-tube washer or any other similar title. I would like to help collect data or help setup equipment and maybe even contribute to the project intellectually.If my research interest was in physics, who would I go to and what type of college? Within my area there are two colleges on two opposite extremes–Caltech and Calstate L.A. Which one would I gain more experience from? Assuming I was accepted as an intern at caltech would I likely be doing menial work?</p>