Below is a guide for writing a letter of interest in conducting undergraduate research. Members and faculty advisors of the group Women in Biological Sciences at the University of Arizona put this together in 2007:
Letter/email of interest in research recommendations:
- Pick a few research professors to contact, not just one.
- Look up some of their research on their lab website or on PubMed. Read the abstracts to get a general idea. You do not need to understand everything.
- Write a professional, respectful email requesting a bit of their time.
Dear Dr. ________,
- Introduce yourself and academic standing. You can also mention your GPA and completed or current science classes.
“Hello, I am a senior in the Biochemistry department and am interested in research. I have completed Biology, Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry with a 3.8 GPA. I am currently enrolled in Biochemistry 462b and 463a.”
- Express an interest in their work. Mention a specific aspect of their research and why you are interested. Be sure to avoid extended life anecdotes. Short and sweet is best but be enthusiastic!
“I am extremely interested in evolution and find your work with proteins fascinating. I would love to get involved in your project to study the structural and functional evolution of Cro proteins.”
- Ask for an appointment to talk about their research. Indicate how you would like to be compensated for your work in their lab, i.e. independent research credit or payroll and tell them if you have applied/received/are willing to apply for funding. If you identify specific funding sources for your school or region, this looks very good and shows initiative.
“I would love the opportunity to meet you and learn more about your research. If you happen to currently have room in your lab for an undergraduate research assistant I would be very interested in working for independent research credit during the school year. I would be happy to apply for funding through UBRP or the Honors Research Grant.”
- Ask for recommended reading (papers/reviews) so that you can be more familiar with the work that they will be talking to you about.
“If there are any papers or reviews in particular that you would like to recommend to me, I would greatly appreciate the guidance.”
- Thank them.
“Please let me know when would be convenient if you can spare some time to meet with me. Thank you for your time and consideration.”
- Sign with respect and give your contact information.
“Respectfully (or Sincerely),
Wendy Ingram
wingram@email.edu
520-555-5555”
- When you meet with them, dress cleanly and conservatively and have some specific questions to ask about the research.
- Be ready to express an interest in working for them. Clearly indicate an interest in doing research as well as when you would like to start.
- Important questions to ask about working for them:
- What are they currently researching?
- What they would have you do as a research assistant?
- Who will train and supervise you?
- Ask to meet the supervisor if it isn’t the professor.
- Will you be required to attend lab group meetings?
- What time commitments do they expect? (typically 10 hrs a week for 3 credits)
- Will they require a paper at the end of the semester? (for credit)
- What type of compensation they prefer to give?
- Anything else that comes to mind!
- Most of all, when choosing a research mentor it is important to choose someone that is a good fit rather than joining the first lab you can get into. A good relationship with your mentor can be one of the most educational and rewarding experiences in your undergraduate career. However if your first semester isn’t satisfying, try something new.
- Final thing, coming from someone who began research her freshman year: the sooner the better. Don’t wait to get involved!
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