Faculty and Mentors
Some guidelines for contacting:
1.) If you are taking their class, going to office hours or talking with them after class are viable ways to set a meeting up. Email also works!
2.) If you have never met and you don’t have a class with them, send an email. The email should introduce who you are, why you are emailing them, and ask if there is a good time to meet in person.
3.) When meeting make sure you come prepared to discuss their research, why it’s of interest to you, and how your research might be a good fit for them as a mentor. Specify your research goals, both generally and practically.
Department/Faculty Pages
Visit your university’s department websites to learn about faculty members' research interests. Many professors list their current projects and publications. For example, this is the University of Washingtons faculty page for the chemistry department.
In Your Class!
Approaching instructors whose classes you've taken and enjoyed can be an effective way to find a research mentor. Consider instructors who are actively engaged in research, as they may have ongoing projects where you could get involved
Where to Look
Department Office
Stop by the department office and ask the front desk where you can find specific faculty. It may help to bring some specifications. For example, if you are looking for faculty specializing in material science, it would be important to mention that.
Conferences and Department Seminars
Research talks, seminars, or conferences hosted by your university can be a great place to meet faculty and learn about their ongoing projects.
Undergraduate Research Programs
Depending on the school, you might have an undergraduate research program. If so, finding their office or webpage can be a good place to locate faculty or find guidance on how to do so.
Departmental Clubs
Student clubs or organizations related to your field (e.g., psychology club, biology society) often host events where faculty meet with students to talk about research, classes, and other opportunities.
Can’t Find Anyone?
Fill out this form, and I will see if I can get you in contact with someone!