The CNS Office of Experiential Learning is here to support you in finding your next research opportunity. One of the most important steps is reaching out to faculty members. Here’s how to write a strong, professional email when inquiring about research opportunities. Keep scrolling for email examples!
Emailing Professors: Best Practices
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Use your UT email address. This helps faculty recognize you as a current student.
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Keep it professional. Use a formal greeting (e.g., Dear Dr. Smith) and maintain a respectful tone throughout. Avoid emojis, slang, or acronyms.
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Be concise. Professors are busy—get to the point quickly and clearly.
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You don’t need to attached your resume to your initial email, but have it ready in case they ask for it.
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Proofread before sending—typos can make a bad impression.
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Wait one week before sending a polite follow-up if you don’t hear back.
What to Include in Your Email
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1
Brief Introduction
- Your name, major, and year
- How you found out about their lab or research
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2
Why You’re Interested
- Mention specific aspects of their research that interest you
- Highlight any skills you hope to gain or contribute (e.g., coding, lab techniques)
- Answer: Why them? Why you?
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3
Close Professionally
- Thank them for their time
- Express interest in meeting to discuss opportunities
- Use a formal sign-off (e.g., Sincerely, Best regards)
Choosing a Clear, Professional Subject Line
Your email subject line is the first thing a faculty member sees, so it should be clear, professional, and specific. A strong subject line helps faculty quickly understand why you’re reaching out and increases the chances that your email will be opened and read. Below are several straightforward subject line options you can use when emailing faculty to ask about undergraduate research opportunities. When possible, personalize the subject line by including the lab name or research area.
- Undergraduate Interested in [Research Area] Research
- Undergraduate Research Inquiry – [Lab Name]
- Inquiry About Undergraduate Research Opportunities in [Lab Name]
- Prospective Undergraduate Researcher Interested in [Research Topic]
- Undergraduate Research in the [Lab Name] Lab
Writing Your Email: Email Template
Here's an email template you can use to craft your own emails. Make sure to you edit it thoughtfully to fit your own background, research interests, and personalize every email for each lab you contact.
Dear Dr. [faculty’s last name],
My name is [your first and last name], and I am a [year and major] student interested in conducting research on [research topic]. I read your lab website and your work on [research topic description in your own words - if possible, make it clear that you've actually tried to engage with their work] is relevant to my goal of [your broader goals-- doing similar research, going to grad school to continue studying this topic, etc.].
[If you have any EXTREMELY RELEVANT OTHER INFO to add, do so here. Have you previously done research? What lab techniques or research relevant skills do you have? Otherwise skip this to keep things short!]
Is there a time we could chat in person about possible ways for me to get involved in your research? I am available to meet [specify one or two times — if possible, ones that coincide with their office hours]. I would like to start doing research in [semester] and can commit to spending [# hours per week] doing research.
Thank you in advance for your help and consideration.
Sincerely,
[your first and last name]
Email Examples
Below are three email examples showing how out template can be used for various research fields.
Dear Dr. [Last Name],
My name is [First Name Last Name], and I’m a sophomore Biology major at UT Austin. I’m very interested in research related to genetics and alcoholism, particularly in a wet lab setting involving animal models.
I’ve completed my introductory biology lab and genetics courses, and I’ve also participated in nutrition-related research with human subjects. I’m now hoping to gain hands-on experience in a lab like yours to explore whether animal-based research is a good fit for me.
After reviewing your lab’s website, I was especially intrigued by your work on the neurogenetics of alcoholism using Drosophila. I recently read your article, [Article Title], and was fascinated by [insert a specific insight or reaction to the article].
Would it be possible to meet and discuss your current research and any opportunities to get involved? I’m available to begin this summer and can dedicate up to 20 hours per week while taking summer classes. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Respectfully,
[First Name Last Name]
Dear Dr. [Last Name],
My name is [First Name Last Name], and I’m a junior majoring in Public Health with a minor in Social Inequality, Health, and Policy at UT Austin. Through my coursework, I’ve developed a strong interest in the intersection of health and policy, and I’m eager to explore this further through research.
I had the opportunity to hear you speak at the Health Professions Lecture Series and was especially inspired by your work on how healthcare policies affect underrepresented communities. As an aspiring physical therapist, I’m passionate about improving access to care, and I believe your lab’s focus aligns closely with my goals.
I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to speak with you about potential research opportunities. I’m available to commit up to 10 hours per week during the upcoming spring semester. Thank you for your time and consideration—I look forward to hearing from you.
Regards,
[First Name Last Name]
Dear Dr. [Last Name],
My name is [First Name Last Name], and I’m a sophomore majoring in Computer Science at UT Austin. I’m particularly interested in your research on artificial intelligence, especially in the area of natural language processing. As AI continues to evolve, I’m eager to explore how machine learning can enhance language understanding and communication.
I discovered your Natural Language Processing Group while researching opportunities on campus, and I’m excited by the work your team is doing. I believe joining your lab would be a valuable way to deepen my understanding of AI beyond the classroom.
I’d be happy to share my resume if that would be helpful. I’m available to meet most afternoons after 1 PM and can commit up to 10 hours per week this fall. Thank you for considering my request—I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your research.
Sincerely,
[First Name Last Name]
Want more guidance? CNS Undergraduates can make a “Research Opportunities Advising" Appointment with our team in 12twenty@Texas.