I ask that all applicants to work in the lab submit a 2 page personal statement addressing the following questions:
Why have you chosen to conduct research, as opposed to the myriad other extra-curricular activities you could do?
What specific academic / career goals will this experience help you to achieve?
What tangible outcomes will allow us to know if you are achieving your goals?
Why this lab in particular?
What relevant experience and skills, if any, do you have?
I also ask that you tell me now when you'll submit this letter and I will hold you to this deadline.
Once I've received your statement, we can set up a time to meet and discuss your goals and possible fit to the lab directly!