Once you have learned about the project director/professor’s research, research facilities, funding and colleagues, you will be able to determine
Your email or letter should incorporate a discussion of the professor’s work. This discussion will indicate that you have been reviewing his/her website and have an interest in his/her research. In most situations, this display of interest will indicate to the professor that you are eager to conduct research in his/her chosen field.
For project directors to succeed in their funded research endeavor (the IGERT grant of our example), they must employ a team of dedicated and enthusiastic research assistants. If a student wants to be one of those research assistants, he/she should indicate a serious interest in this research.
Click here for a sample letter or email that you can adapt when contacting Professors.