Professional Email Templates
Writing Professional Emails
Email will most likely be your first interaction with a potential faculty mentor. Be sure to communicate clearly, use proper grammar, and maintain a professional tone throughout your message.
-
Your email should include the following:
- A brief overview/biography introducing yourself
- How you found out about the research
- Why you are interested in their research, including what you hope to gain from this experience
- Your availability for an initial meeting
Additional Tips:
- Send the message from your Augusta University email.
- Personalize each email to the individual faculty mentor
- Give many times that you can meet, but do not skip class to meet for research. Consider travel time between campuses.
- If you have not received a response after one week, send a polite follow-up email.
Email Templates
SAMPLE MESSAGE 1
Subject: Undergraduate Research Interest- [your name]
Dear Dr. (or Professor) ____________,
My name is [name], and I am a junior majoring in History. After reviewing the CURS website, I was particularly interested in your research on [specific topic]. I became interested in this area after taking [relevant course/ coursework], and I would like to learn more about conducting research in this field.
I am reaching out to ask if you are currently accepting undergraduate students for research mentorship. I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you to learn more about your current research and discuss potential ways I could become involved. I am usually available Tuesdays and Fridays after 11am, and Wednesdays between 8am and noon, but am happy to work around your availability.
I have attached my resume for additional information about my background and experience. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best/ Sincerely/ Respectfully/ Regards,
Your name
Major/College of ________
SAMPLE MESSAGE 2
Subject: Undergraduate Research Interest- [your name]
Dear Dr. (or Professor) ____________,
My name is [name], and I am a sophomore majoring in Chemistry and a member of the Augusta University Honors Program. I am interested in getting involved in undergraduate research and recently found out about your work through [tell how you came across their research – through CURS UROP, a seminar, a friend, a professor’s recommendation]. After learning more about your work on [specific topic/project], I became particularly interested in [briefly explain what interests you].
I am reaching out to ask if you are currently accepting undergraduate students to participate in your research. If so, I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you to learn more about your work and discuss how I might become involved. I am generally available Monday and Wednesdays after 2:00pm, and all day on Fridays but am happy to work with your availability.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best/ Sincerely/ Respectfully/ Regards,
Your name
Major/College of ________