Is it appropriate to email other grad students on personal projects?

[gatsby2016]

I want to do a project of my own but it requires expertise outside of my specialization (but still in the same department). Is it appropriate to email grad students in other groups and possibly become friends with them and get some mentorship or work on it together in the spare time?

 

Thanks

[Eigen]

Yes, and more than appropriate, I'd say it's expected of someone maturing into an independent researcher. 

You do need to be careful that you don't cross disciplinary "norms" in starting collaborations, but certainly you should reach out to your peers and learn from them. 

[rising_star]

I would agree that it's expected. I wouldn't try to do it under the guise of friendship though. Be honest about why you're approaching them and what you're hoping to work on.