First Contact Email Template
Consider using this template to make "first contact" with potential mentors:
Dr./Professor Your Contact's Last Name,
I'm a # Year student studying major(s)/minor(s) and currently exploring opportunities for undergraduate research, scholarly and creative work. I learned about your work faculty's expertise--e.g. "in arctic ecosystems" your source--e.g. "on the department's website" and would appreciate the opportunity to talk with you about it.
Explain
What interests you and what questions you have about their work--e.g. "I plan to... and think experience with... will help me..."
How their work advances your academic and professional goals--e.g. "I plan to... and think experience with... will help me..."
What you bring to the potential partnership, noting relevant strengths, previous experiences, courses taken, and current activities--e.g. "I'm comfortable doing..., have experience working with..., have taken courses in... and am currently...." You might consider attaching a resume or CV.
I'm available for a meeting or phone call at the following dates/times and am happy to find other times as needed.
Note when you are available to meet with as much flexibility as possible--not just your preferred times.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Your Full Name
Your Contact Information