[asda_]

So I am someone who has done a masters in CS but it was completely coursework and project-based. I have regretted not doing any "research" or having any papers published. I guess, I just want to experience the whole process of diving deep into a topic and coming up with something new. Now, I'm about 3 years into my career as software engineer working on data infrastructure for a data science org in a large non-tech company. Could I potentially volunteer my coding skills to a professor who has a lab in some field I am interested in and join in their work in my personal time. I never thought that is possible. I'd actually like that. Can someone who has any experience or seen something like this comment?