Via another contact of overlap, I emailed this person who works at a company to ask about research related opportunities there, as I was told that they would be a good person to reach out to.
They replied back saying they were glad I reached out, and then asked when I was looking to do an internship, as summer would be filled by now. I replied back saying I was interested in the fall or spring and then asked which position I'd apply to.
The person replied back saying a recruiter could help me, but the best way "is to find a person you want to work with and, if they agree to take you on and work with you, have them sponsor you internally."
Is it too aggressive to ask "I'm interested in research in your area, is it possible to work with you or someone in your area? And would I indicate that in my application?"