Identifying a Research Mentor

Follow our step-by-step guide to identify a research mentor and land a research role!

1. Identify Potential Faculty Mentors

  • Visit webpages for programs, departments, and divisions that align with your interests - don't be afraid to look outside your major!

  • Check out faculty's lab pages for a deeper dive on their research topics.

  • Make a big list! Not all faculty will have openings in their labs, so cast a wide net.

2. Educate & Prepare Yourself

  • Read through the faculty member's work - remember that you don't have to understand everything about their research yet!

  • Consider how your interests align with the research.

  • Plan a couple of questions to ask the faculty member when you meet with them.

3. Draft Your Outreach

  • Greeting - Address your email to Dr., Prof., or Professor

  • Introduce Yourself - Share initial information about yourself including year, major, interests, honors or merit awards, and any other relevant information. Don't forget to include if you know them from a previous course, seminar or other connection as well!

  • Research Alignment - Tell the faculty member what interests you about their research and why it aligns with your major, goals, or career interests. Keep this brief with no more than 3 sentences.

  • Highlight Experience - Share about your past experience including research, internships, coursework, extracurriculars, and independent projects. Feel free to also share what you're excited to learn about! This is just as valuable as experience, especially if you don't have much experience to share.

  • Request Time to Meet - Ask the faculty if they have time to share more about their research and to learn more about opportunities in their lab. Key Tip: Share times you're available to make it even easier to schedule a time to speak with them!

  • Follow Up - If you don't hear back from your outreach, follow up! Sending a follow up email after a week is a great way to convey continued interest.

4. Meet Potential Research Mentors

  • Prepare for meeting with potential faculty mentors by reviewing their lab webpages again.

  • Have questions ready to ask the faculty member about their research.

  • Practice answering questions they may ask you, including

    • Why are you interested in research?

    • What is your interest in my research?

    • What do you hope to do in the future?

    • Tell me about your previous lab or work experience?

  • Be professional. Be sure to arrive on time or communicate any delays or cancellations in advance.

  • Show your enthusiasm! Faculty are passionate about the research they conduct, so showcase your interest and excitement.