Experiences in Undergraduate Research (October 2024)
About the Workshop
This workshop will highlight opportunities for undergraduates to gain professional paid experience and learn more about research. Learn about programs at the U of M and Nationwide that are currently accepting applicants in STEM, Social Sciences & other fields. We will have a panel of students who will share their experiences as well as faculty who have experience leading undergraduates in research.
How to Reach Out to Faculty
Reaching out to faculty can be daunting! First, you will want to schedule an initial 30-minute conversation via a concise and to the point email. If you don’t hear back, follow up. This will require polite persistence and there will be times when it will not work out.
Note:
- Accept there will be “No” responses. Remember this is not a reflection on you.
- Be patient. Many systems and professionals are strained as a result of the Pandemic and current job market–so plan ahead and stay proactive.
Example 1: https://cdn2.assets-servd.host/oklahomacity-university/production/students/career-services/docs/sample-email-to-mentor.pdf
Links to an external site.
Example 2: https://assets.alumni.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Sample-Letter-to-Mentor-Template.pdf
Links to an external site.
Example 3 (from a previous TRIO McNair Scholar):
Hello,
My name is Donald Lynn Wilhite II and I am a Jr. History and Global Studies major with a thematic focus in Human Rights and Justice and a regional focus in the Middle East. In addition to my two majors I also minor in African American & African Studies.
I am sending you this email because this summer I have been selected to participate in the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program and I am looking for a faculty mentor. McNair is a program that seeks to increase doctoral program application, matriculation, and degree attainment by underrepresented and first-generation college students. An integral part of the program is pairing students with faculty members who will serve as a mentor and research adviser during the spring and over the summer. In effect, students will work as research assistants on a project that the professor is working on.
I am still in search of a professor with a scholarly expertise in a subject that is similar to a topic that I would like to research. My interests are first and foremost anything that falls into my majors and concentrations. More specifically within Human Rights and Justice, and the Middle East I am extremely interested in topics such as religion, African decolonization, nationalism, the Cold War, studies on youth, international politics and revolutions.
If you in any way might be able to aid me in my search of finding a mentor, either by serving as one or if you have a colleague that you could refer me to who might be interested in such a thing please let me know, it would be greatly appreciated. I am free to meet with you virtually and discuss this further if you would like more information.
Thank you in advance,
Donald Lynn Wilhite II
Workshop Resources
- Workshop Slides Links to an external site.
- Finding outside MN research Links to an external site.
- Links to specific research programs can be found in the workshop slides