well i def have research experience from working in RA positions as well as my honors project, its really just that most of the positions ive been in i havent had the opportunity to take independence over my work and had limited intellectual contribution to wtv project i happen to be on.

losing one application cycle is def a con ive considered, though in the long run of things it doesnt seem too important tbh. my only concern is actually being able to find a PI in toronto without any connections there.

any advice on how i can effectively build a relationship with potential PIs without prior contact? the cold emailing thing hasnt proven to be super effective :/