Author: Samantha Licciardi, OMS II, Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine
Updated: December 26, 2023
TIPS:
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Research the PI and their research projects
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Read their abstracts or what is included in their bio on departmental websites
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Use a concise and informative subject line of email (Ex. include name and reason for emailing)
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Be professional
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Address the PI appropriately, use proper grammar and punctuation
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Avoid slang or abbreviations
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Use school email or an email address with a professional username
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Introduce yourself quickly
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Include whether you have done research before or not
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If so, what type of research
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Could include GPA or relevant courses
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Include why you are interested in research AND specifically their research (Ex. How will this research relate/contribute to your future academic and career goals? What skills do you hope to gain from this research?)
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Include your availability – general (Fall/spring/summer position and rough estimate of hours/week)
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You can attempt to set up an in-person meeting if possible (Include your availability for the next week)
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If they have office hours, say which day you are planning to come to attend
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You can attach your resume
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Thank the PI for their time
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Be prepared for all responses, including no response
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If you receive no response after about a week or two, feel free to send a follow-up email
EMAIL TEMPLATES:
Dear Professor/Dr. X,
I am a (year) at (medical school) and I am writing to ask about opportunities for research in your lab beginning (time period). I have conducted research on (topic) at (institution) in (program or class or year). (Expression of interest in the topic). I would like to continue a path of research on (topic) and would ultimately allow me to (career goal). I am especially interested in your previous work on (describe a paper or talk).
I have attached my resume to this email, but if there is additional information you need from me, I would be happy to provide that to you. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Email address
Dear Professor/Dr. X,
My name is X and I am a (year) at (medical school). I have previous research experience in (topic) at (institution). Some research skills I am proficient in include (list skills/specific experiences). I am interested in pursuing scholarly activity throughout my career, and working on your project will help me best achieve my future goals.
I am considerably interested in the (topic). Recently I read your paper on the (topic). In particular, I found it fascinating that (specific point of paper). If possible, I would love to start working on a long-term project in your lab beginning this summer.
Would you be available to meet sometime this week to discuss your research? I would also be happy to volunteer in your lab for a few weeks before committing to something long-term, to see if this is a good match. My resume is attached for your review. I look forward to hearing from you!
Thank you,
X
Dear Professor/Dr. X:
Would it be possible to meet with you to further discuss (topic) and my possible involvement in research? I am available (days and times). I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Phone
Resources:
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Contacting faculty about research. Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry Rice University. Accessed October 21, 2022. https://ouri.rice.edu/contacting-faculty-about-research
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How to approach a faculty member if you are interested in working on his/her research, scholarship or creative project. Accessed October 21, 2022. https://www.hunter.cuny.edu/ugresearch/repository/files/Approaching%20a%20Faculty%20Member.pdf
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Bhattacharjee S. How To Cold Email a Professor Undergraduate Research – Letters & Science – UC Berkeley. research.berkeley.edu. Accessed October 21, 2022. https://research.berkeley.edu/how-cold-email-professor
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How to Email a Professor Regarding Research. Undergraduate Research Opportunities. Accessed October 21, 2022. https://ugr.ue.ucsc.edu/email#:~:text=if%20asking%20for%20a%20research,be%20coming%20to%20office%20hours
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The Do’s and Don’ts of Contacting Professors about Research. School of Environment and Natural Resources. Accessed October 21, 2022. https://senr.osu.edu/undergraduate/undergraduate-research/dos-and-donts