Reaching out to professors about their research is a crucial first step to getting laboratory experience, but it can be scary to email a stranger out of the blue!Â
Many professors check their emails on their phones, so it is important to keep your message short and sweet! Here is a template:
Greeting,
My name is [name] and I am a [year] at [school]. [How you found their lab // browsing research topic, event at university, etc.?]
[The connection you have to their research; have you worked in the field before, done independent projects, etc.?] I have attached my [resume/past research poster/paper] below. If possible, I would love to [shadow/intern/work in] your laboratory. Would you be free to meet this upcoming week?
I look forward to your response!
Sincerely,
[Name]
*Don't forget to actually attach your extra materials!
Don't worry if the professor doesn't get back to you. Instead, you can send a follow-up email after 3 to 5 days!