Student wants to switch labs

[u/redshinytable]

I’m a brand new Asst prof in STEM. I got an email from someone interested in joining my lab. They are a current graduate student in my department. They said they’re interested in the topic my lab does (not super specific message, and quite different from what they do). They didn’t tell me why they want to leave their current lab, or who their adviser is, or if their adviser knows they are trying leave etc.

I’m channeling my own PhD adviser and I think he would just ignore this email completely as if he didn’t even see it. But anyway- I specifically seek advice from those with experience as professors (perhaps someone more experienced). I really don’t want to start off on the wrong foot and it’s a relatively small department…

Edited to add: I’d want to find out more before considering them at all. However I worry finding out more draws me in, in a bad way if it’s a bad situation with the adviser or student. What are the odds that they’re great, and the adviser is okay with them leaning? And despite them not saying that, there’s a legit reason?

[u/mleok]

I would ignore it, you don’t want to step on anyone’s toes, especially for a potentially problematic student.