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If possible and/or practical, ask to meet with the potential mentor. Begin the request for a meeting with a personal connection effort. Include in your request the specifics of why you are interested based on what you have learned about the group’s research activity.
How to learn about a research group
How to learn about a research group
Gather information about those research groups in which you have interest. Good sources include:
Group website
Recent articles published by members of the group (usually listed on the PI’s web page)
Youtube to see demonstrations of specific laboratory techniques or laboratory equipment
Your grad student TA
How to make a personal connection
How to make a personal connection
Keep in mind that it's important to connect before you communicate
Look for what you might have in common with a potential mentor
Check out online bio’s to find shared activities and interests
How to demonstrate basis of interest
How to demonstrate basis of interest
When talking with a potential mentor, it's important to convey sincere interest, which can be done by sharing a few key things, such as:
Concrete and specific reasons for interest
Details about aspects of projects of interest rather than indiscriminate desire to be involved in whatever a particular research group is doing
Flexibility toward what might be offered while maintaining commitment to your goals and interests
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