I’m in the process of emailing some research professors and this is like a basic outline that i’m doing for the emails, is this too long/too short/just right? Would appreciate insight especially from people that worked in a lab during sophomore year.
Hello _______ ,
My name is ___, and I’m a sophomore at . From research online I’ve learned about your lab’s search for (blabla). I was particularly intrigued by the work that you have done regarding (blabla). I would be extremely grateful if you would consider taking me in to your lab. Though I lack experience, I am prepared to devote a lot of time to learn more about the work you are doing in your lab, and assisting wherever I can be of help. Thank you for taking the time to read this email. I hope we can be in contact.
Best regards,
Personally – instead of this bit, which I don’t think is necessary (they know what kind of work they expect undergrads to do) and is negative towards yourself, I’d say something like, “I was wondering if your lab had any spaces open for undergraduate research assistants. If so, I would love to meet with you to talk further about the research.”
Then new paragraph, and then the thank you and ending.
If you have a resume, you could attach it and add a sentence about the fact that you attached it in the email.
Write like a normal human. Teens don’t describe themselves as “particularly intrigued.” Get to the point quickly, and make your ask specific.
Dear Professor _______ ,
My name is ___, and I’m a sophomore at . I found your lab website online and am interested in (your work creating robotic stink bugs). I was wondering if you would be interested in having a high school student in your lab as a volunteer (for summer 2018)? I have some basic programming experience as well as math through precalculus (and whatever information you can give to make yourself sound genuinely interested and potentially useful here.)
I am generally available to meet on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays after 3 pm. If you are unable to assist me, you have my permission to forward this email to another (nano-robotics) research group at impressive University which might be a better fit.
