Have Previous Research Experience?

Dear Dr. [Last Name], I am a [year, major, school] interested in [field of researcher]. I am fascinated by your research on [specific paper, project, or topic], and I was particularly interested in [1 specific detail that genuinely caught your attention].

Previously, [talk about past research experience]. My experience in [skills learned] has prepared me to assist with [experiments conducted in the researchers lab] in your lab.

I would be thrilled to contribute to your lab as an intern during [time period]. If you have 5 minutes in the future for a zoom meeting, I would love to talk to you about what your lab does. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
[Name]

Why this is effective:

1. Builds rapport by providing context into who your are and where you are academically. PI’s get many emails, this provides clarity.

2. Referencing a specific paper, project, or detail shows that you did your research on their lab. this shows effort and curiosity.

3. By listing skills linking to prior experience, it helps the researcher visualize how you could contribute.

4. Requesting a brief zoom meeting creates a low-pressure environment that is respectful of the PI’s time. It opens the door for conversation.

5. The structure, greeting, and closing follow a respectful tone while following academic norms.

6. Strong emails don’t try to impress but rather connect, which is what this template does by showing curiosity, preparation, and respect.