Dear Dr. [],

My name is _____ and I am a [grade level] at Horace Greeley High School in Chappaqua, NY. For [x] years, I have been enrolled in Greeley’s Science Research program, in which students perform research under the guidance of a mentor during the summer between junior and senior year.

So far, I have been working to increase my knowledge in our scientific field of interest by reading articles. _____ has always interested me and I’m especially curious about [describe a specific function, etc. that you find intriguing]. Specifically, I would like to learn more about _____ and its relationship to _____. I’ve been reading literature about this, including one of your publications, “[title].” [One sentence about what in the study intrigued you].

I would love to learn more about your study and so I have a few questions that I was hoping you could answer:

1.

2.

I would greatly appreciate any insight that you could offer me. Also, I would like to ask if you were interested in collaborating with me as my mentor for my high school program? I am highly flexible with my time and can send more information to clarify any questions about the role.

Thank you again for your time and I look forward to hearing back from you.

Best,

[First & Last name]

Dear Dr. [],

My name is ______________ and I am a ______ at Horace Greeley High School. I am a member of the Science Research program.

I am extremely interested in your work in the field of ????????,, This curiosity was underscored after reading about your work on ????(title of an article). Additionally, I found your work on ????(title of an article or related work they have done) to be extremely thought provoking.

I was curious about.. ????(this is where you would ask a few insightful, in-depth questions that show that you have read their work and are a serious, intelligent, focused student)

I was hoping to be able to meet with you over the next few weeks to learn more about your current projects. I was also wondering if you consider allowing me to observe some of your lab based projects with the hopes of me volunteering as a student intern with your lab research group this coming summer.

I hope that you can help or advise me, because I am extremely eager to pursue research in this field. I recognize your limited schedule and thank you in advance for any assistance or direction you can provide.

The best way to contact me is at this email (___________), but I can also be reached at ____________. The Director of Science Research at Horace Greeley is Mr. Esposito and he can be reached at tyesposito@ccsd.ws if you have any questions for him.

Sincerely,

______________ (Name)

Horace Greeley Science Research

Email:

Dear Professor X:

My name is Peter Anteater, and I am very interested in becoming involved in research in Subject Area. I am a ___ at Horace Greeley Highschool with a GPA of X. I have taken Courses and Additional Experiences. My goal is to_______. I have reviewed your faculty profile and am interested in the work that you have done. I was intrigued by your journal article, "Article Title." It Additional Information about Topic. I would like to get involved in research in this area because it will help me to better prepare for Goals. 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,

Peter Anteater

Dear Dr. Smith,

My name is X and I'm a junior at Horace Greeley Highschool. In my introductory coursework, I've developed a passion for science and am extremely interested in pursuing independent research. An extensive research experience will greatly help me consolidate my future career choice. I am personally greatly interested in the molecular biology of stem cells. Recently I read your 2011 paper on the role of microRNAs in the differentiation of muscle stem cells and became fascinated by your work. In particular, I found it amazing that microRNAs can alter the fate of a cell in such a profound way. If possible, I would love to start working on a long-term project in your lab beginning this summer.

Thank you,

X

• Send this email in the morning to maximize the time they have to see it & respond

• Attach your resume to give greater insight into your achievements (GPA, extracurriculars, clubs, etc. )

• Call them through their office! It is often easier and the most direct method

• Respond in a timely manner (within 3 days is ideal)

• PROOFREAD!

• State specifically your interest in that research group (you need to read the professor's website)

• Explain why research is important for your goals

• Look up local colleges/universities, find departments and labs that focus on work you are interested in

  • Email lab members (does not need to be head of the lab)

• Look up nearby research institutes, separate from college institutions

ex: Regeneron

• Look up hospitals and do the same ↑

• Email authors of a research paper you found interesting

• If this method is not working out for you, consider applying to a research program

Hello Dr.[ ],

After entering my research [project, paper] into [WESEF, JSHS, etc.], a [regional, national, etc.] competition, I’m excited to share with you that I [describe award won or recognition achieved, etc.]

I’ve appreciated your guidance throughout this entire process and thank you again for providing me with the opportunity to conduct research.

Thank you!

[First name]