Professional Email Templates

Writing Professional Emails

Email will most likely be your first interaction with potential faculty mentors. It is important that you use proper grammar, write clearly and in a professional tone. Your email should include the following:

A brief overview/biography introducing yourself
A few sentences as to why you are interested in their research, including what you hope to gain from this experience
Your availability for an initial meeting

Make your email personal and tailored to each potential faculty mentor. If you haven't heard back after a week, politely resend the email.

Sample Email Templates

SAMPLE MESSAGE 1

Dr. (or Professor) ____________

My name is ________________ and I am a sophomore majoring in Chemistry and a member of the Augusta University Honors Program. I have been interested in getting involved in undergraduate research and attended a seminar where a friend presented their research thesis under your mentorship. I learned so much and even more intrigued after reviewing the topic from your website.

After discussing this topic with the CURS office, I wanted to reach to discuss the possibility of my involvement in your research. I am able to commit to working on this project for at least 2 semesters including the summer. I am normally available on Mondays and Wednesdays anytime after 2pm, but I am willing to work out another time based on your availability.

Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to hearing back from you,

Regards,

Your name

Major/College of ________

Phone

SAMPLE MESSAGE 2

Dr. ________________

My name is ________________ and I am a junior majoring in History. I read your faculty page and understand you have many publications and research interests on the topics of Civil War and World Wars. This era has always fascinated me after taking History 101 and History 203, I realized History was definitely a path I wanted to continue learning about. I am particularly interested in discovering how to predict future conflicts by remembering the past.

I would greatly appreciate an opportunity to meet with you to discuss the possibility of being mentored in research under you. I reviewed a poster that another student completed under your guidance and this would be a goal of mine as well. Would you have availability to meet next week on Friday after 11am to discuss how I might join your research? Please see my attached resume as well.