Members

Prospective students

Thinking about joining a research lab? These guides can help you make a great first impression when you reach out to me or to any faculty member.

For graduate students

Make a Great First Impression

Reaching Out to a Potential Graduate Advisor

Read the faculty member’s profile and two or three of their recent papers.
Make sure their research connects with the questions you want to pursue.
Check whether they’re taking new students, and when the graduate program’s applications are due.
Look into how students in the lab are funded, such as teaching or research assistantships.

Use a clear subject line, like the example below.
Address them as Dr. or Professor, followed by their last name.
Briefly introduce yourself: your degree, your school, and your research experience.
Mention a specific paper or question of theirs that interests you, and why.
Explain how your experience and goals fit the lab.
Ask whether they expect to take a student for the term you’re applying, and whether they have time for a short call.
Attach your CV, keep it to a few short paragraphs, and proofread before sending.

Subject Prospective PhD student: insect communication, [Semester] [Year]

Reach out early in the fall, well before application deadlines.
Personalize each message instead of sending a generic email.
Wait one to two weeks before sending a brief, polite follow-up.
Ask whether you could talk with a current graduate student in the lab.
A “no” often means there’s no space or funding that year. It isn’t a judgment of you.

For undergraduates

Reaching Out About Undergraduate Research

Look at the lab’s website and read about a current project or a recent paper.
Think about what interests you in the work. It’s fine if you’re still exploring.
Know how many hours a week you could commit, and for how many semesters.
Decide whether you’d like to earn course credit, volunteer, or work toward an honors thesis.

Use a clear subject line, like the example below.
Address them as Dr. or Professor, followed by their last name.
Introduce yourself: your year, your major, and any related courses or skills.
Mention what caught your interest in the lab’s research.
Share what you hope to learn. You don’t need research experience.
Say how many hours a week you can commit and when you’re usually available, and attach a resume if you have one.
If you’re an online student, mention your time zone.
Keep it short, and proofread before sending.

Subject Undergraduate research interest: [Semester] [Year]

Personalize each message instead of sending the same email to everyone.
Wait about a week before sending a brief, polite follow-up.
Ask about other ways to get involved, such as sitting in on a lab meeting.
A “no” usually means the lab is full right now. Try again next semester, or ask who else might have space.