how to write a letter to a professor for research

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How to Email a Professor Regarding Research

Your email should:.

• have an informative subject line
• be formal: Dear Dr. Smith; Sincerely, Your Name
• not use Mrs. or Ms.
• NOT have slang, abbreviations, or emoticons
• address any qualifications the professor is looking for
• demonstrate your experience
• state specifically your interest in that research group (you need to read the professor's website)
• explain why research is important for your goals
• ask to schedule a meeting or say that you will be coming to office hours

DO NOT SEND THIS EMAIL

Generalized from an email to a UCSC Professor

Hi Joe, 

My name is  Name  and I am a major in  Major .  Is there space in your lab for an undergraduate?  If so, what is the pay rate?

Thanks, Name

DO SEND AN EMAIL LIKE THESE

General email to a stem professor.

Subject:  Meeting to discuss undergraduate research opportunities in  topic

Dear Professor   X ,

I am a year  student at university  majoring in major .   How you found out about the professor's research .   Expression of interest in specific paper or topic.   I would appreciate the chance to talk with you about your research in  topic of interest and about possible undergraduate opportunities in your lab.

My  experience in research   experience or class,  confirmed my intention to develop my research skills and goal.  I know you are very busy. We could schedule an appointment or I can drop by your office hours on  day and time .

I have attached my resume and unofficial transcript.  Please let me know if there is any other information I can provide. I look forward to talking to you soon.

________________________________

Generalized from an email to a UCSC professor

Subject:  Possible undergraduate research opportunities

     I am a (year, major) at (university) and I am writing to ask about opportunities for undergraduate research in your lab beginning (time period) . I have conducted undergraduate research on (topic) with (names) in (program or class) . (Expression of interest in the topic) . I would like to continue a path of research on (topic) and would ultimately allow me to (career goal) . I am especially interested in your previous work on (describe a paper or talk) .

I have attached my CV and unofficial transcript to this e-mail, but if there is additional information that I have not included that you would like, I would be happy to provide it to you. Thank you for your consideration.

Your Name Email address 

________________________

From University of Virginia, How to Sucessfully E-mail Professors

Dear Dr. Smith, My name is X  and I'm a second year biology major at UVa. In my introductory and upper-level coursework, I've developed a passion for science and am extremely interested in pursuing independent research as an undergraduate. An extensive research experience will greatly help me consolidate my future career choice. I am personally greatly interested in the molecular biology of stem cells. Recently I read your 2011 paper on the role of microRNAs in the differentiation of muscle stem cells and became fascinated by your work. In particular, I found it amazing that microRNAs can alter the fate of a cell in such a profound way. If possible, I would love to start working on a long-term project in your lab beginning this summer. Would you be available to meet sometime this week to discuss your research? I would also be happy to volunteer in your lab for a few weeks before we commit to anything to see if this is a good match. My transcript and resume are attached in case you are interested. I look forward to hearing from you! Thank you, X

_________________________

Template from UC Irvine

Dear  Professor X :

My name is  Peter Anteater , and I am very interested in becoming involved in research in  Subject Area . I am a  X  year student with a GPA of  X . I have taken  Courses  and  Additional Experiences . My goal is to  Goal .

I have reviewed your faculty profile and am interested in the work that you have done. I was intrigued by your journal article,  "Article Title."  It  Additional Information about Topic . I would like to get involved in research in this area because it will help me to better prepare for  Goals .

Would it be possible to meet with you to further discuss  Topic  and my possible involvement in research? I am available  Days and Times . I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely, Peter Anteater Student ID Address  Phone Email

University of California Santa Cruz, 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95064

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How to Email a Professor for Research | 21 Example Emails

Table of Contents

Introduction to Email Etiquette for Engaging Professors in Research Endeavors

In the pursuit of academic excellence and professional development, establishing a connection with a professor for research opportunities represents a pivotal step. Crafting an email that succinctly and clearly communicates your intent, respect, and passion for the subject is crucial to initiating a promising collaboration. This guide is structured to assist you in formulating an email that adheres to the conventions of professional academic correspondence and effectively captures the attention of busy professors who are often inundated with requests from students and colleagues alike.

When reaching out to a faculty member, it is imperative to remember that your email not only serves as a reflection of your commitment but also as testament to your communication skills. By utilizing a structured approach and tailoring your message with clarity, you increase the likelihood of receiving a positive response.

How to Email a Professor for Research: Essential Guidelines

Understand the Professor’s Research Interests Research extensively on the professor’s work to tailor your email, showing that you have a sincere interest in their specific research areas.

Keep It Brief and To the Point Professors are often busy; hence, a concise email ensures your message is communicated efficiently without taking up unnecessary time.

Be Clear About Your Intentions State explicitly what you are seeking – whether it’s a research position, guidance on a project, or insights on a research topic.

Highlight Your Background Briefly mention your academic background, any relevant skills, and why you are particularly interested in this research field.

Professional Courtesy Always address the professor formally using their preferred title, and ensure to proofread your email to avoid any typos or grammatical errors.

Show Flexibility Mention your availability for an in-person or virtual meeting to discuss the research opportunity further and indicate your willingness to adapt to the professor’s schedule.

Express Gratitude Conclude your email by thanking the professor for considering your request, showing appreciation for their time and expertise.

Template for Emailing a Professor for Research Opportunities

Subject line.

• Start with a clear, concise subject line that directly states the purpose of the email. Include keywords like “Research Opportunity Inquiry” or “Interest in [Specific Research Area].” The subject line should capture attention and provide insight into the email’s content at a glance.
• Begin with a formal greeting using the professor’s title and last name, such as “Dear Professor [Last Name].” If unsure about the proper title, defaulting to “Professor” is a safe and respectful option.

Introduction

• Briefly introduce yourself, stating your name, your major, and your year of study. It’s crucial to immediately establish who you are to give the professor a context for your email.

Statement of Purpose

• Clearly articulate the purpose of your email. Mention how you became interested in the professor’s work and specify the reason for your outreach. This section should convey your enthusiasm and the relevance of your inquiry to your academic and professional development.

Overview of Academic Background and Interest

• Provide a summary of your academic background relevant to the research interest. Highlight courses, projects, or experiences that have prepared you for research in this area. This part demonstrates your credibility and readiness to engage in research.

Specific Interest in Professor’s Research

• Mention specific aspects of the professor’s research that intrigue you. Referencing recent publications or projects illustrates that your interest is genuine and informed. It also shows you have taken the initiative to understand their work.

Inquiry about Research Opportunities

• Politely inquire about available research opportunities within the professor’s lab or group. Be clear about your desire to contribute and learn, showcasing your motivation to be part of the team.

Availability for Meeting

• Express your willingness to discuss possible research opportunities further and suggest your availability for a meeting. Offering flexibility in scheduling demonstrates respect for the professor’s time.
• Conclude your email with a statement expressing gratitude for the professor’s consideration of your request. Restate your interest briefly and end on a positive note.
• Include a polite closing, such as “Best regards” or “Sincerely,” followed by your name. Beneath your name, provide additional contact information, such as your university email address and phone number, fostering easy communication.

Notes on Tone and Clarity

• Throughout the email, maintain a professional, respectful tone. Ensure the email is concise, clear, and free of jargon that might not be universally understood. Proofread for spelling and grammatical errors to showcase your attention to detail and commitment to a professional demeanor.

By adhering to this structured template, you position yourself as a serious and thoughtful candidate for research opportunities. This approach not only demonstrates respect for the professor’s time but also showcases your capability to communicate effectively in a professional academic setting.

Email Template | How to Email a Professor for Research

Subject: Request for Meeting: Exploring Research Opportunities in [Research Area]

Dear Professor [Last Name],

I hope this email finds you well. My name is [Your Name], a [Your Year] [Your Major] major, deeply interested in [specific topic or field]. Having followed your work on [specific research area/project], I am incredibly inspired and eager to learn more about potential involvement in research opportunities within your specialty.

My academic background includes [mention any relevant courses, projects, or experiences], which I believe have equipped me with a solid foundational understanding of [research area]. I am particularly drawn to your recent work on [mention any specific project or publication], and I see a strong alignment with my interests and career aspirations.

I am reaching out to kindly request a meeting at your convenience to discuss potential research opportunities under your guidance. I am available on [provide a range of dates and times] but am more than willing to adjust to your schedule. During the meeting, I would like to cover:

An overview of my academic background and research interests. A discussion on your current and future research projects. Potential opportunities for me to contribute to your research initiatives. Thank you very much for considering my request. I am looking forward to the possibility of working under your esteemed guidance and contributing to the [specific research area] field.

Warm regards,

[Your Name] [Your University] [Your Contact Information]

Below are example emails to guide you in drafting your request. They are designed to address various situations and to help you articulate your interest in a research opportunity clearly and professionally.

Example Emails

General inquiries.

Dear Professor Smith, I am interested in your work on environmental sustainability and wonder if you currently have any research opportunities for an undergraduate student in this area. Your work aligns perfectly with my academic background in environmental science and my passion for sustainability. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to discuss this further with you. Thank you for considering my request.

Let’s Meet to Discuss

Hello Professor Johnson, I’ve closely followed your research on renewable energy solutions and am currently seeking opportunities to contribute to this field. With a solid foundation in engineering and a keen interest in sustainable technologies, I am eager to learn from your expertise. Could we possibly schedule a time to explore any potential research positions within your team? Thank you for your time.

A Request- Includes Citing a Publication

Dear Professor Lee, Having read your recent publication on AI in healthcare, I am particularly interested in how technology can be leveraged to improve patient care. As a graduate student in computer science with experience in machine learning, I am seeking opportunities to apply my skills to real-world problems. Are there any openings for research assistants in your projects? Thank you for your consideration.

Looking For Research opportunities

Hi Professor Martinez, I am writing to inquire about research opportunities in your lab, specifically related to genetic editing. As an undergraduate in biology, I am fascinated by the potential of CRISPR technology and eager to gain hands-on experience. I would be honored to discuss how I might contribute to your research. Thank you for your time.”

Specific Project Inquiry

Dear Professor Robinson, After attending your lecture on the historical impact of architectural design, I am inspired to delve deeper into this topic. I am particularly interested in the project you mentioned on urban development patterns. Could I possibly assist with this research in any capacity? I am currently completing my thesis in architecture and believe this experience would be invaluable. Thank you for considering my request.

Seeking Guidance

Hello Professor Thompson, I am reaching out to seek your advice on beginning a research project in the field of cybersecurity. Your extensive work in this area is incredibly inspiring, and I would greatly appreciate any guidance you could offer on how to approach this subject. Thank you very much for your time and assistance.

Expression of Interest in Research Collaboration

I am currently pursuing a Master’s in Biochemistry and am very interested in your recent work on protein folding, which I believe has transformative implications in drug development. With a strong background in molecular biology and a keen interest in pharmaceutical applications, I am eager to contribute to your research team. Could we possibly discuss potential collaboration opportunities?

How to Email a Professor for Research

Inquiry About Research Assistant Position

Having followed your groundbreaking research on climate change and its impacts on marine ecosystems, I am writing to inquire about the possibility of joining your team as a research assistant. My studies in Environmental Science and hands-on experience with GIS tools align well with your needs, and I am enthusiastic about the possibility of contributing to your insightful work.

Request for Guidance on Research Project

I am in the early stages of planning a thesis on the socio-economic impacts of urbanization and greatly admire your expertise in urban sociology. I would appreciate any advice or guidance you could offer and am particularly interested in any opportunities to collaborate or assist in your ongoing research projects.

Seeking Opportunity for PhD Research

I am considering applying for a PhD, and your research area in forensic psychology is closely aligned with my interests, particularly your work on cognitive biases in eyewitness testimonies. Could we schedule a meeting to discuss potential doctoral research opportunities under your supervision?

Proposal for Joint Research Initiative

As a junior researcher in the field of renewable energy systems, I am keen to explore potential synergies between our work. I believe that a collaborative project could be mutually beneficial, particularly in enhancing the efficiency of solar panels using new materials. It would be valuable to discuss a potential joint initiative at your earliest convenience.

Expressing Interest in Lab Work

I am a senior Chemistry major eager to gain more lab experience, particularly in organic synthesis, and I am very interested in your research on non-toxic solvents. Would there be any opportunities to work in your lab, even on a volunteer basis? I am eager to apply my learning in a real-world setting and contribute to your research team.

Applying for a Research Internship

After reviewing your publications on the role of artificial intelligence in public health, I am inspired to apply for the summer research internship advertised on your faculty webpage. With a solid foundation in both public health and computer science, I believe I can offer valuable assistance in your ongoing projects.

Inquiry About Master’s Thesis Supervision

As I finalize my plans for my Master’s thesis in international relations, I am particularly interested in your work on cybersecurity and state sovereignty. I would be honored if you would consider supervising my thesis. Could we meet to discuss this further?

Request for Participation in Field Study

Your field study on the biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest stands out as a landmark research initiative, and I am very interested in participating. As a graduate student in biology with fieldwork experience, I am well-prepared for the challenges of remote research and would be eager to contribute to your team.

Proposal for Research Methodology Consultation

I am currently developing a research proposal centered around the use of mixed methodologies to study educational outcomes. Given your expertise in quantitative research methods, I would greatly value your insights and feedback on my approach.

Seeking Research Collaboration in Engineering

Your innovative research on the design of earthquake-resistant structures is closely related to my work on material science and its applications in civil engineering. Could we explore potential collaboration? I believe both projects could benefit significantly from shared insights and technology.

Request to Join Ongoing Research Project

I am particularly impressed by your ongoing project on the historical analysis of European art movements. As a doctoral candidate specializing in art history, I am eager to contribute my knowledge of Renaissance art. Is there any possibility of joining your project team?

Expressing Interest for Postdoctoral Position

As I near the completion of my PhD in molecular genetics, I am actively seeking postdoctoral positions that align with my research interests and skills. Your lab’s work on genetic markers for neurological diseases is fascinating, and I would like to inquire about possible postdoctoral opportunities.

Inquiry for Research Funding Possibilities

I am in the process of securing funding for a project on smart cities, and your research has been a significant influence on my work. Could we discuss potential funding opportunities or collaborations that might support this research?

Collaborative Proposal for Conference Panel

Would you be interested in collaborating on a panel for the upcoming International Business Conference? Your research complements mine in corporate ethics, and I believe we could offer compelling insights on transparency and governance in new markets.

Note: While templates and automated writing tools like chatGPT can serve as starting points, your email should be a testament to your unique interest and qualifications for the research position. Engaging personally in the composition of your email not only sets you apart but also demonstrates your commitment to professional excellence and continuous development in your chosen field. Remember, the goal is to engage, intrigue, and convince the professor of your potential as a research collaborator. Prioritize clarity, personal relevance, and specificity in your email to ensure it resonates with its recipient.

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How to Write an Email to a Professor (With Examples)

By Hannah Yang

Table of Contents

How to email a professor in 7 steps, email to professor examples.

Emailing your professor can be a daunting task.

Writing professional emails is never easy, but composing an email to a professor can feel especially nerve-racking. After all, your professors have a lot of control over your academic success and your future career, so you don't want to make a mistake.

So, how exactly do you write a successful email to a professor?

In this article, we’ll give you a step-by-step guide for how to write an email to your professor, plus a set of email templates you can use.

We’ve broken the process of emailing your professor into seven simple steps.

Step 1: How to Write the Subject Line

Start by writing a clear, concise subject line for your email.

Your subject line should be specific to your situation. Ideally, your professor should understand why you’re emailing them without even having to open the body of your message.

For example, if you’re emailing to request an extension for a research paper, you can use the subject line “Research paper deadline extension.” Or, if you’re emailing to ask for a clarification about the syllabus, you can use the subject line “Question about class syllabus.”

Step 2: How to Address a Professor in an Email

You should start your email with a formal salutation.

You can use formal greetings, such as “Dear” or “Hi,” followed by your teacher’s preferred title, whether that’s “Professor [Last Name],” “Mr. [Last Name],” “Ms. [Last Name],” or simply “[First Name].”

If you’re not sure about your professor’s title, “Dear Professor [Last Name]” is always a safe bet.

Step 3: How to Start an Email to a Teacher

Start your email by introducing yourself and explaining which class you’re in. For example, you might write, “My name is Hannah, and I’m a freshman in your ENGL 453 class.”

It’s common for professors to teach multiple classes, especially at large universities, so they don’t always know all their students by name. If you’re emailing from your academic account, they’ll likely be able to see your full name in the system, but it’s still better to be safe than sorry.  

Of course, if you’ve already established a working relationship with your professor, and they know who you are, you don’t have to introduce yourself. Instead, you can start your email with a friendly greeting, such as “I hope your week is going well” or “Happy Friday!”

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Step 4: How to Explain Your Request

Now that you’ve finished your introduction, it’s time to explain all the essential information about why you’re writing this message.

Professors lead busy lives, so try to keep the body of your email as concise as possible. Don’t use a whole paragraph when a single sentence would do.

Try to keep a professional tone while you explain your request. You don’t need to sound overly stiff, but you should generally avoid using slang or making jokes.

If you’re writing about an issue that includes personal details, such as a health issue or the loss of a loved one, it’s okay to be vague when explaining your reasons. Don’t feel pressure to include details about your personal life that you’re not comfortable sharing.

Finally, be specific about what kind of follow-up action you’re requesting from your professor, if any. For example, you can write, “Please let me know if it would be possible to extend the deadline,” or “Please send me your feedback on this draft at your earliest convenience.”  

Step 5: How to End an Email to a Professor

You can end the body of your email with a simple expression of gratitude. You can write something like, “Thank you for your understanding and support,” or simply “Thanks for your time.”

Step 6: How to Sign Off an Email

Sign off your email with a simple closing salutation, followed by your first name.

Keep it simple and polite. Popular choices include “Best,” “Thanks,” “Sincerely,” and “Regards.”

Step 7: Edit Your Email with ProWritingAid

You don’t want to send your professor an email riddled with grammar mistakes, especially if it’s your English professor! And even if they teach a different subject, like math or biology, you still want to make sure you’re putting your best foot forward.

Editing your email with ProWritingAid can help you avoid mistakes. Our editing tool will correct grammar errors, spelling typos, and weak word choices.

You can even ask the tool to help you ensure you’re using a formal tone so your email doesn’t come across as casual or unprofessional.

Now that we’ve gone over the seven steps for writing an email to a professor, let’s look at some examples.

Here are some email templates you can use, depending on your specific situation.  

Sick Email to Professor Example

Subject line: Missing class today

Dear Professor [Last Name],

My name is [your name], and I’m a student in your class [class name]. I’m writing to let you know that I won’t be able to make it to class today, due to health issues. [Insert details if needed].

Please let me know what material we’ll be covering so I can make it up before the next class.

[Your name]

Sample Email to Professor Asking for Help

Subject line: Help with [class name]

My name is [your name]. I’ve been really struggling with your class [class name] this semester, and I’m having a hard time understanding [details].

Would you have time to sit down with me and help me better understand the material? I would welcome any support you can offer.

Thank you in advance! I look forward to hearing from you.

How to Email a Professor About a Grade

Subject line: My grade for [assignment/exam name]

I hope your week is off to a good start!

I recently received my grade for [assignment/exam name], and it was lower than I expected. Could you please tell me where I lost points?

I know you have a busy schedule, but I would really appreciate more details, since I’m sure that information could also help me improve my grades in the future.

Thank you so much for your time!

Sample Email to Professor for Research

Subject line: Research opportunities in your lab

I hope you’re doing well!

My name is [your name], and I’m a [year, major]. I’m writing to ask about research opportunities in your lab next semester.

I’m really interested in the topic you’re researching because [details], and I have experience conducting research with [previous experience, if any].

Please let me know if you have any openings that might be suitable for me. I look forward to hearing from you!

How to Write an Apology Email for Missing a Class

Subject line: Missing class yesterday

I hope your week is going well.

I’m writing to apologize for missing your class [class name] yesterday. I was unable to attend because [details].

I know it was an important class and that I shouldn’t have missed it. I’ll do my best to ensure this doesn’t happen again. Thank you for your support and understanding.

Extension Email to Professor Example

Subject line: Extension for [Assignment Name]

My name is [your name], and I’m a student in your class [class name]. I’m writing to request an extension for our assignment about [assignment details].

I’ve been struggling to complete the assignment in time because of [reasons]. I would really appreciate it if you could extend the deadline to [new deadline date], due to my situation.

Please let me know if that would be okay. Thank you so much for your flexibility.

Thanks again,

How to Write a Follow-Up Email to a Professor

Subject line: Follow-up re: [subject]

I recently emailed you about [topic].

I’m just writing to follow up on my previous email and make sure you’ve received it. If you have, please let me know when I can expect a reply.

Thank you again for your time!

Warm regards,

How to Email a Professor About Getting Into Their Class

Subject line: Joining your class [class name]

My name is [your name], and I’m a [year, major] at [school name]. I’m interested in joining your class [class name]. I’m really fascinated by [topic] because [reasons], and I’ve heard that your class is a must-take class for students interested in [topic].

I don’t know how much demand there is for the class, but I’m curious if there’s anything I should do in advance to increase my chances of getting into the class.

Thank you for your consideration! I look forward to hearing from you.  

There you have it—our guide for composing a clear and professional email to a professor.

Good luck, and happy writing!

Hannah Yang

Hannah is a speculative fiction writer who loves all things strange and surreal. She holds a BA from Yale University and lives in Colorado. When she’s not busy writing, you can find her painting watercolors, playing her ukulele, or hiking in the Rockies. Follow her work on hannahyang.com or on Twitter at @hannahxyang.

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Aug 8, 2022

How to email a professor with 22 different examples

Learn how to email your professor (and what to avoid doing) and check out 22 sample emails to help you get started.

Lawrie Jones

Table of contents

Is there anything more nerve-racking than sending an email to a professor?

Every student will need to send an email to a professor at some point, whether you're asking for an extension, explaining an absence, or a little extra help. But how do you write an email to a professor?

In this guide on how to email a professor, we break down the steps to writing better messages. You'll learn the structure of a good email to a professor (and what to avoid).

And if this is not enough to convince you that it's easier than you might think, we finish off by providing 22 sample emails to a professor!

If you want to impress your professor with perfect grammar, make sure to try Flowrite :

How to send an email to a professor

So, how do you write an email to a professor? Professors are professional people who will be used to traditional email etiquette. That's not to say that you can't introduce some individuality into your emails; it's just important to show respect. 

You'll understand your relationship better than we do. You can be a little less formal if you feel it's appropriate.

Following the correct email etiquette is essential – and easy. In this article we break it down into steps to illustrate what we mean. We've also written about proper email etiquette on our blog before:

It's also important to keep emails short and to the point. Professors receive hundreds of messages daily and don't have time to delve too deeply to get the information they need. Say who you are, what you want, and why you're messaging upfront.

Should I send an email to a professor?

Classes can be busy, and a professor's time can be limited, so email is an ideal way to communicate with your Professor. Emails enable you to go into detail, create lists and spend time crafting a complex message.  

If your question or comment is urgent or sensitive, consider whether it's better to book a meeting or pull them aside for a chat. 

Only you can decide whether to email a professor.

How long should I wait for a reply?

Professors are people with busy lives and professional responsibilities, so you may need to wait for a reply. But how long should you wait for a response from your Professor?

There are no hard and fast rules on how long to wait for a reply, but the general rule is to give it two or three days before sending a follow-up. You can learn more in our guide on how to write a follow-up email.

Email format for messaging a professor

The email format for a professor should be familiar to anyone who understands the basics of messaging. Here's how it works:

• Subject line

• Body copy

• Signature

If you're unfamiliar with how to write a formal email, check out Flowrite blogs that delve deeper into what makes a great subject line, how to greet someone, appropriate sign-offs, and striking the right tone of voice. 

Subject line for an email to professor

Your subject line should spell out exactly what your message is about. Why? Because professors get hundreds of emails daily, they'll need a reason to open and respond to yours. 

We've provided some examples below.

How to greet a professor in an email

Professors should always be addressed using their titles. You can open an email in a few ways, such as:

• Dear Professor 

• Hi Professor

Avoid casual openings, such as "hey" or "how are you doing?". Instead, always uses your Professor's title to show respect, even if you start an email with "Hi" or "Hello."

How to address professor in email

We've covered the importance of using a professor's title in an email, but there's more to it. When discussing how to address a professor in an email, we're talking about the tone of voice – and getting that right can be tricky.

You'll want to be personal, but being too familiar can cause problems. We've written before about how to hit the right tone, so start there. Our examples below show how we've put this into practice.

How to start an email to a professor

An excellent way to start your email is by stating who you are and explaining what your message is about. As we've established, professors receive hundreds of messages every day, so they'll skim-read your message. Unless you're clear with what you want, you could find it binned.

You can see 22 examples of how to address your emails and get to the point as soon as possible.

How to sign off an email to professor

There are several ways you can end an email you a professor. Traditionally, you'd use "your sincerely," but today, you can be a little less formal. Some safe email endings to a professor include:

• Kind regards

• Yours sincerely

Email to professor examples

So, we've explained the basics of emailing your Professor; now it's time to put it into practice with samples. Here are 22 email to professor examples that should cover any scenario. So, whether you're asking for advice, access to a class, or a little extra support, we've got a template for you. 

22 sample emails to a professor

Here are 22 examples of how to email your Professor. These should cover a whole range of situations that you could find yourself in. As with all our templates, use them as inspiration, and be sure to adapt them to your specific situation. 

Ready to get writing to your Professor? Then let's begin.

1. How to write an excuse email to professor example

2. how to email professor for extension example, 3. how to email professor asking for extra credit example, 4. how to email a professor about failing a class example, 5. how to send a follow-up email to a professor, 6. how to write a formal email to a professor example, 7. how to email a professor about getting into their class example, 8. how to email a professor about a grade example, 9/ how to introduce yourself in an email to a professor example, 10. how to ask professor to accept late assignment email example, 11. how to email a professor for a letter of recommendation example, 12. how to email professor about missing class example, 13. how to write a polite email to a professor example, 14. how to write a professional email to a professor example, 15. how to write a proper email to a professor example, 16. how to ask a question to a professor email example, 17. how to write a reminder email to professor example, 18. how to reply back to a professor's email example, 19. how to email a professor about research example, 20/ how to schedule an appointment with a professor email example, 21. how to email professor about being sick example, 22. how to write a thank you email to a professor example, closing words.

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How to Email Your Professor (With Examples)

Lisa Freedland is a Scholarships360 writer with personal experience in psychological research and content writing. She has written content for an online fact-checking organization and has conducted research at the University of Southern California as well as the University of California, Irvine. Lisa graduated from the University of Southern California in Fall 2021 with a degree in Psychology.

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Every academic year, more and more professors complain that students do not know how to write nor respond to emails. Often, students are simply not taught how to write such emails to begin with. Some students are entirely clueless about what they’re doing wrong. To help make sure you don’t make these same mistakes, we’re going to show you how to email your professor (with examples)!

Keep on reading so that you can be confident in what you’re saying before you even hit “send.”

Emailing professors: A how-to guide

We’re sure that you’ve emailed people before, whether teachers, coworkers, friends, or family, but emailing professors is a little different. Emailing professors requires a level of formality not typically required when emailing people you’re already familiar with (yes, even if you know the professor well!). So, to make sure you don’t leave a bad impression on your professors, we’ve established a few tips that you should go by before sending off that email. Let’s get into them!

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Be professional

Perhaps most importantly, you should be professional when emailing your professors. But, what do we mean by this?

Simply, being professional when emailing your professors means using proper grammar, not using slang or emojis, and using their proper title (we’ll get into what this means next).

Further, if you’re asking for an extension for an assignment, giving a heads-up as to why you’ll be missing class, or anything along these lines, try not to give away too much personal information as to why. For example, rather than saying you have a stomach ache or caught the flu, you can instead say that you came down with an illness. The exact sickness (or reason) is not the most relevant information. Your professor will probably be grateful not to know anyway.

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Include their title + name.

Time for titles! If you’re not familiar with what titles are, titles refer to the words used before or after a person’s name that indicate a person’s position or role. When it comes to professors, students normally use either the title “Doctor” (abbreviated Dr.) or “Professor.”

And, as normally comes after someone’s title, you should be sure to include their last name after. So, let’s say you’re emailing a professor called Susan Robinson. You could start the email off with something like:

“Dear Dr. Robinson,” or “Hello Dr. Robinson,” or “Dear Professor Robinson,” or “Hello Professor Robinson,”

All these are fine choices, and it’s entirely up to you to choose whichever you prefer. And, if you haven’t quite noticed, it’s quite common to use “Dear” or “Hello” when starting off an email to a professor, but these aren’t your only options (just common ones). Whichever you use is, once again, up to your personal preference!

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Say something nice 

Yes, really. It doesn’t hurt to be nice when emailing professors, especially when you’re asking for their advice or help. 

So, how do you start out with something nice? Well, typically, after greeting your professor with their title and name (as we demonstrated above), you’ll add something along the lines of:

• “Hope you had a great weekend.”
• “I hope you’re enjoying the beautiful weather today!”
• “Hope you’re doing well!”

Make sense? Some professors appreciate such niceties. Not only will it indicate that you realize they have a life outside of academia, but it’s also just a polite thing to do. Yes, admittedly, some professors might not care, but others will!

Give context (i.e. who you are)

College professors have tons of students. So, oftentimes (if not always), they may need a little reminder on how they know you. This is especially true if you’re not in touch with them frequently. This is exactly what you should do next – explain who you are!

If you’re a student of theirs, the easiest way to do this is to mention what class of theirs you’re enrolled in, and what time it meets (or, if there are names for each section, you can mention that instead). This will give them some context before you ask a question, so they can understand exactly what assignment, topic, or question it is you’re asking about. This might go something like:

“This is *insert your name* from the Psychology 101 section that meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-2:30 P.M.”

Alternatively, if you’re not a student of theirs, explain your desired relationship to them (e.g., are you interested in enrolling in their class? Do you want to work in their research lab?). If this is the case for you, this might look like:

“This is *insert your name*, a second-year student majoring in Psychology. I am interested in enrolling in Psychology 102 next semester, and… *can ask/introduce your question here*” 

Now, unless you are 100% sure that your professor knows who you are by name, we definitely recommend you don’t skip this step! It may be awkward if your professor has to ask who you are after your initial email, so, better safe than sorry!

Last, but not least, try to use your university email if you have one! This immediately signals to your professor that you’re either a student or faculty member at their college. Your school email may make them more inclined to look at your email.

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Be straightforward

Since they have so many students, professors also receive a lot of emails. So, when emailing them, make sure to get straight to the point (no beating around the bush!). Be specific about your question, and provide context if needed. If you’ve already tried to solve your problem or answer your question in a number of ways, mention these. Doing so will cut down the amount of unnecessary emails sent back and forth. Also, it will also help you understand what tips or advice they shouldn’t give you (as you’ve already tried them).

On a similar note, if you have a question about a test or due date, we highly recommend checking your class syllabus first. These will contain your important test and due dates 99% of the time, if not more.

And, most importantly, remember to make your subject line specific and clear. For example, if you have a question about an assignment’s due date, your subject line could be something along the lines of “Question about Due Date of Assignment Name .” This will make it clear to the professor what the context of the email is, and will help avoid any misunderstandings.

After asking your question (or saying whatever you needed to say), it’s time to sign off! Most commonly, people will do this by using a “Best,”, “Thanks,” “Sincerely,” or something along those lines, followed by their name. If your university email does not include your full name, write both your first and last name in your sign off. This will make it clear to the professor who you are, even if they have another student with the same first name.

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A few examples

Time for a few examples! Here they are:

1.  If you’re asking a professor a question about an upcoming test date:

Hello Dr. Johnson,

Hope your week is off to a great start!

This is John Smith from your Chemistry 404 Monday/Wednesday/Friday 11 am – 12 pm class. Last Monday, you mentioned that our upcoming midterm is scheduled for September 25th. However, on the class syllabus it says that the test is planned for September 21st. I was wondering on which of these dates the midterm will be taking place?

Thank you in advance.

2.  Generalized email to a professor:

Dear Dr. Last Name ,

Hope you’re doing well!

This is Your name from Your class  at time . I had a question about * elaborate on the question.*

We hope that you’re now well-versed on how to write an email to a professor of yours. However, how do you go about cold emailing a professor for a research opportunity? That’s a great question! Let’s see.

How to email a professor for research opportunities

Luckily, the format for emailing a professor for research is not too different from that of emailing any professor. So, if you’ve already read all our tips above, you’re off to a head start. However, there are a few differences. 

Components to include

Before we get into what makes an email to a professor for research different, we should first list the basic components of this type of email (as they largely overlap with a normal email to a professor). Any email to a professor (for research) should:

• Have an informative subject line
• Be professional and straightforward
• Include their title and name
• Include why you want to join their research lab (why you’re interested in their research specifically)
• Mention any previous experience (if applicable)
• Elaborate on why research is important to you/will help you reach your goals
• Ask to schedule a time to meet or discuss possible research opportunities
• Your resume and transcript (attached to the email!)

Since we’ve already covered most of these components above (under Emailing Professors: A How-To Guide), we’ll now be focusing mainly on the unique aspects of writing an email to a professor for research. 

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Do your research!

If you’re interested in doing research, now’s your time to show off your skills! Before you go about emailing any research professor for an opportunity to work in their lab, you must first know what their lab studies. Doing this research will help you elaborate on why you want to join their specific lab, rather than any others, which will help you stand out amongst possible applicants (and will help you know if you’re actually a good fit for the lab or not!).

Why are you interested in their research?

After you’ve done research on the research of the professor you’d like to work with, use this information to detail what exactly about their research interests you. This can normally be done within 1-2 sentences, and should be specific – make sure to relate it to your interests and goals! This may look something like:

I am particularly interested in topic . I recently read your name/year of research paper on topic and developed an interest in your research. Specifically, I was fascinated by mention one of the findings of the research paper . If possible, I would love the opportunity to work in your lab to help contribute to further research on this topic during time frame.

If this seems a little confusing right now, don’t fret! We have some actual examples for later, so you can get an idea of what this section should look like when real topics and findings are included.

Ask to schedule a meeting

Now, it’s time to schedule a meeting (or, at least ask to)! After you go about mentioning what you find interesting about their research and expressing an interest in working in their lab, you should make a request to meet with them. There’s a few different ways you can do this:

• “ If you know of any internship, volunteer, or work positions available in research over the summer, I would love to set up a time to talk about these potential opportunities.”
• “If you have time, I would love to set up a time to talk about potential research opportunities.”
• “Would you be available to meet sometime this week to discuss your research?”
• “Would it be possible to meet with you to further discuss Topic and my possible involvement in research? I am available on Days and Times .”

Simple, right? After you ask to schedule a meeting, we highly recommend mentioning that your transcript and resume are attached to the email (and make sure to actually attach them). If you do not attach them, professors will often ask for them promptly afterwards (but not always).

Last, but not least, finish off the email with a nicety! You can do it more formally, with something like, “I greatly appreciate your time and consideration.” Or, you can do it more casually, with something along the lines of, “I look forward to hearing from you!”

Which way you choose is ultimately up to you – just make sure to be respectful! 

More examples

Time for some more examples! These are real examples of emails written to professors, in which students were asking for research opportunities (although some names and info have been slightly altered). Here we go!

1.  Email from a student without any prior research experience:

“Dear Dr. Lee,

I hope this email finds you well. My name is Abigail Thompson and I am a first-year undergraduate at the University of Minnesota, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Japanese. I am currently looking for opportunities to get involved with research over the summer. 

Psychological research, especially that relating to social psychology, sounds very interesting to me, so I am hoping to get involved early into my undergraduate career. I have reviewed your faculty profile and am interested in name of the research paper , especially how you explored how people who have experienced traumas cope with what they’ve been through. If you know of any internship, volunteer, or work positions available in research over the summer, I would love to set up a time to talk about these potential opportunities. I greatly appreciate your time and consideration, and my resume and transcript are attached to this email.

2.  Email from a student with prior research experience:

“ Dear Dr. Pudi,

I hope this email finds you well. My name is Jacqueline Fisher and I am a sophomore at UCLA, majoring in Psychology. I am currently looking for opportunities to get involved with research for this upcoming semester or over the summer. 

Last summer, I assisted in research at the University of California, Berkeley, where we studied people’s psychological responses to traumatic events. I am also interested in developmental psychology and how your research studies the effects of marital conflict on children.

If you have time, I would love to set up a time to talk about potential research opportunities. I greatly appreciate your time and consideration, and my resume is attached to this email. 

Have a wonderful time frame .

Jacqueline ”

Dear Reader,

You’ve now reached the end of the article!

I hope that this guide (and our example emails) have helped you gain the knowledge and skill of being able to email your professors (for class, research, or otherwise!). It’s sure to come in handy at some point, so, we wish you good luck, and send you off!

All the best,

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How to Write a Professional Email: How to email a research professor

• How to write a email letter of recommendation
• How to email a research professor
• "I missed class" example
• "Help on lecture information" example

Waht it should contain

Your email should:

• Have an informative subject line
• Be formal: Dear Dr. Smith; Sincerely, Your Name
• not use Mrs. or Ms.
• NOT have slang, abbreviations, or emoticons
• If applying for an opening:
• Address any qualifications the professor is looking for
• Demonstrate your experience

When asking for a research opportunity: state specifically your interest in that research group (you need to read the professor's website) explain why research is important for your goals ask to schedule a meeting or say that you will be coming to office hours

DO NOT SEND THIS EMAIL

Subject: Research Job Op

Hi Joe, 

My name is Name and I am a major in Major.  Is there space in your lab for an undergraduate?  If so, what is the pay rate and the hours?

Thanks, Name

DO SEND THIS EMAIL

Subject:  Possible undergraduate research opportunities

Dear Dr. Professor,I am a (year, major) at (university) and I am writing to ask about opportunities for undergraduate research in your lab beginning (time period). I have conducted undergraduate research on (topic) with (names) in (program or class). (Expression of interest in the topic). I would like to continue a path of research on (topic) and would ultimately allow me to (career goal). I am especially interested in your previous work on (describe a paper or talk).

I have attached my CV and unofficial transcript to this e-mail, but if there is additional information that I have not included that you would like, I would be happy to provide it to you. Thank you for your consideration.

Ambitous Student Email address 

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Emailing a Professor 101

Need help with sending an email to your professor? It can be quick and easy if you follow the steps below.

How To Write an Email to a Professor

When writing an email to a professor, you should always use a formal tone and vocabulary and stick to the point of the message. Additionally, you should make sure to:

• Use your academic email address.
• Write a clear and concise subject line.
• Use a formal salutation.
• Introduce yourself.
• Briefly explain why you’re emailing.
• End the email with a formal closing.
• Check for spelling and grammar errors.

Writing an Email to a Professor

Writing an email to a professor (or teacher) can be intimidating. After all, most of them have high standards when it comes to writing, so you probably feel the need to follow a specific format while ensuring the email is free of spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.

This can be overwhelming to students who have a lot to worry about—whether it be going over a syllabus, studying, completing assignments, balancing a social life, or all of the above.

We’re going to help you take the hassle (and stress) out of emailing a professor by giving you seven easy steps to follow.

Class Is in Session: How To Email Your Professor in Seven Steps

1. use your academic email address.

Most (if not all) colleges and universities provide students with an academic email address. If your school has provided you with one, use it. Using a personal email like [email protected] increases the chances of your email ending up in the spam folder or getting skipped.

2. Write a Clear and Concise Subject Line

It’s always a good idea to give your professor a preview of what the email is about, and that’s what the subject line is for. Make sure the subject line is clear, concise, and informative. Do not write the majority of your email in your subject line:

I do not understand some questions on the assignment you gave us. For example, is question number five supposed to have a thorough, elaborate answer with evidence?

Need clarification on questions for assignment due Tuesday

3. Use a Formal Salutation

Use Dear or Hello when starting an email to your professor. Additionally, make sure to use their correct title and avoid using Mr. or Mrs. If the professor has a PhD. , you can use Dr. However, you can’t go wrong with using Professor , regardless of their degree.

Hi Mrs. Duran,

Dear Professor Duran,

Keep in mind that the only time you can skip the formal salutation is if you’re continuing an already established email thread.

4. Introduce Yourself

Professors can have numerous students. You can’t expect them to know who you are solely by your email. After the formal salutation, write your full name and the course you’re taking. Some students also choose to include their student ID if it helps with the request they’re making (e.g., adding points to a test).

Hi Professor Duran,

My name is Jacob S. Carle, and I am in your Thursday 10:00 AM ENC1101 class.

We should note that some students prefer to start with a formality like I hope this email finds you well before introducing themselves. This is also acceptable and a stylistic choice that is up to you.

5. Write a Brief Message About Why You’re Emailing

Professors are extremely busy people. Don’t ramble in your email. Instead, get straight to the point. Write your email as briefly as possible. Additionally, make sure to use the appropriate tone and language .

6. End the Email With a Formal Closing

Once you have asked your question or made your requests, end the email with a formal closing like Thank you, Best, or Sincerely. Then write your name, and if you didn’t include your student ID in the introduction, you can add it to the closing.

Jacob S. Carle

Student ID: 123456

7. Check for Spelling and Grammar Errors

Arguably the most important part of writing an email to your professor is checking for spelling and grammar mistakes. A message riddled with errors can make it seem as if you’re not taking the time to write a professional and proper email.

However, spelling and grammar are not everyone’s strong suit. That’s why it’s a good idea to use LanguageTool as your text editor. Not only will this advanced writing assistant correct spelling and grammar mistakes (in over twenty languages), but it can also help rephrase your sentences to be more formal, fluent, or even more concise. It’s a tool that is valuable for all types of writers, especially students learning their way around professional and formal emails.

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Tips for Writing an Email to Faculty about Research

For many students, the best way to get involved in research is to email faculty/principle investigators directly to ask about research opportunities. An email is an opportunity to highlight your shared interest in their research topic and to highlight attributes that will make you a good undergraduate researcher to work with. This page will help you write a concise and targeted email to maximize your chance at a reply.

The subject

Be short, but be clear what you are writing about. Something like “Undergraduate Research Opportunities in Your Lab” or “Openings for Undergraduates to do Research in [your research topic]” should work. Do not simply use “Hi” or “Research” as a subject.

The greeting

A formal greeting is always a safe bet, so always address the recipient using a proper title. When contacting faculty or postdoctoral fellows, “Dear Dr. ______,” is appropriate. If you are contacting someone without a doctorate or M.D., use “Dear Mr. ______,” or “Dear Ms.______” If you are unsure, always err on the side of using “Dr.” Never open an e-mail with “To whom it may concern” or any similarly vague phrase.

The main text

In the first line, identify yourself with your year in school and your major or anticipated major as well as your interest in research (e.g., “I’m a sophomore political science and public policy major looking to do research on voting rights in the South.” or “I’m a first year Neuroscience major and hope to get involved in Alzheimer’s research as soon as I can.”). You also want to explain why you why you are contacting this faculty in particular. It helps to mention how you know the recipient or where you got their contact information. If you took a class with them or have spoken with someone doing research with them, say so. If you are contacting them based on their profile on the department website, it is fine to say something like “When lookin for research opportunities in [subject area], I found information about your research on the department’s website.”

Next, explain your specific interest in this faculty’s research . Your goal here is to establish a shared passion for the particular area in which this faculty member conducts research — the more specific, the better. Are there aspects of their research that fascinate you? Do you want to be able to contribute to the understanding of some specific problem or issue? Is there something about your past classwork or research experience that sparked your interest? If there are broader motivations that drive you, include a sentence in your email explaining them. In addition, it can be helpful to pick a recent paper or book they’ve published and read or skim it. You don’t have to sound like an expert, but it helps to mention a recent finding that interests you and possibly ask a good question about their research (e.g., “Is the protein you study also regulated in a cell cycle-dependent manner?”). Be sure to describe any relevant experience or completed courses that would make you well suited to do research with the faculty, but keep in mind your shared interest/passion may be just as important as your background.

One word of caution: you don’t want to make it seem that their lab or their research project is only a stepping stone to the next step in your career (graduate school or medical school) — this might turn off many who are devoted to research and want to recruit students with a shared passion.

Grades and your CV/resume

While grades are certainly not the only factor faculty will consider, you may wish to include your GPA if you feel that it merits mentioning. However, refrain from making it the focal point of a sentence; instead, you can bring it up in the context of wanting some experience outside of class (e.g., “I am enjoying my classes so far and doing well (my GPA is 3.7), but I feel that I will learn a lot more by exploring my interests beyond the classroom”). Similarly, if you have a CV/resume that includes relevant research experience, you may want to include it (e.g., “I’ve attached my resume in case it might be helpful for you to know a bit more about me.”). If your academic qualifications are not as great as you’d hoped (for example, your GPA is on the lower end), you can put off attaching the CV for now and just state that you would be happy to send a CV or any other material if needed.

Concluding sentences and closing

Now you are ready to wrap up with a brief concluding statement. Thank the recipient for their time and ask for an opportunity to meet with them to discuss their research projects and to how to get involved in the type of research they do. A warm but simple closing (“Sincerely,” or “Best regards,”) is fine. It may help to include your email or phone number under your name if you have invited the recipient to contact you.

General considerations and next steps

First, remember to keep the email reasonably short. Two small paragraphs should cover everything you need say. Also, remember to proofread carefully. Spelling and grammar errors will reflect negatively and your attention to detail. Don’t use slang or abbreviations common in texting. Think of the email as something you would turn in for a grade. That said, be yourself! While it is best to be formal, the email does not have to be bland; let some of your personality show through. Lastly, if you don’t receive a reply after about two weeks, it’s okay to follow up by forwarding your original email back to the recipient and politely add “Dear Dr. ______, I’m writing to follow up on my earlier email about research opportunities in [your area of research]. I remain interested in speaking with you about your research if you are able. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.” Faculty are very busy and your persistence may be appreciated, so it’s even okay to send another follow up email after another few weeks if you don’t hear back. After that, it may be time to move on to other opportunities.

Sample email

Dear Dr. ______,

I am a sophomore Computer Science major, and I am especially interested in your research on artificial intelligence.

With artificial intelligence constantly evolving, I am interested in exploring its true capabilities and how machine learning can improve language processing. While looking for research opportunities to explore my passions within artificial intelligence, I came across your Natural Language Processing Group at UNC. Connecting the capabilities of artificial intelligence and exploring its ability to communicate with human language is very captivating. I am enjoying my classes so far and doing well (My GPA is 4.0), but I am eager to supplement my classroom learning with a research opportunity. I feel that I would be able learn more about artificial intelligence by becoming a part of your research group or a similar project on campus. I’ve attached my resume in case it’s helpful for you to know a bit more about me and my research background.

I would appreciate an opportunity to briefly meet with you or someone in your research group to discuss your research and how I might be able to support your work at some point in the next three years. If you are able to meet with me, please let me know some times you are available to talk. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you.

[include a signature with your Name, Major, Class of 202_]

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How to Email a Professor: Tips and Samples

Dec 19th 2023

There are many situations when you need to email your professor: Asking a question, inquiring about your grades, or informing them about a missed class. If you’re wondering how to write an email to a professor, at the end of this article, you’ll find several email samples you can use for different occasions.

How to write an email to a professor: A step-by-step guide

1. Make sure you really need to send that email

If you want to email a professor asking a question, check your syllabus first. Chances are pretty solid you’ll find the answer. The syllabus can tell you about your workload, assignments, deadlines, and more. Your classmates are another valuable source of information, so make sure to talk to them first.

If the syllabus, or your peers, can’t answer your question, it’s fine to send an email with additional inquiries.

2. Use your school email

This is the best course of action because such an email looks professional and shows a recipient that your message is about classes. If you don’t have an educational email address, make sure to use an appropriate email address like [email protected] . Your [email protected] address isn’t suitable for academic correspondence.

3. Write a clear subject line

The subject line defines if a recipient opens your email, so make sure it’s clear, concise and to the point. A good subject line tells a professor what your email is about and how they should act on it.

4. Include a proper email greeting

Start your email to a professor with an appropriate and respectful salutation. Double-check their name before sending an email and make sure your greeting is followed by a comma.

5. Remind who you are

Professors have lots of students, so it’s important to tell them your name and the class you’re attending. This helps you save the recipient time and ensures you get a reply faster.

6. Get straight to the point

After greeting a professor and introducing yourself, it’s time to state your question or request. Keep it concise and clear, so the recipient can quickly comprehend what it’s about and what action is expected from them.

7. End an email politely and include a professional signature

How to end an email to a professor? Thank them for their time and sign off your email with “Sincerely” or “Best regards” followed by your name.

8. Proofread your email

Pay attention to grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Make sure to stick to a formal tone and avoid emojis or informal abbreviations like FYI or ASAP. Check the spelling of your professor’s name one more time.

9. Put yourself in your professor’s shoes

Reread the email as if you are a professor who receives it. Is it clear who’s writing to you and what they want? Is the tone of the email polite and respectful? Does it comply with a formal email format? If all your answers are “Yes,” then feel free to send your email.

Email to professor samples

Once you’ve learned how to email a professor, it’s time to practice. Below, you’ll find a number of email samples for different situations. Please keep in mind that these examples are for reference only, and you should always personalize and tweak them to your needs.

If you frequently need to email your professor, you can add these templates to Spark and reuse them whenever needed. Learn how templates in Spark work .

1. Email to a professor about not attending class

Subject: History 1B: Class attendance Dear Professor Smith, This is Lexie Brown, from History 1B, Section 1. I am writing to inform you that I won’t be able to attend your class on Thursday, as I have a doctor’s appointment at 11 AM. Please find attached my assignment we are supposed to submit by Thursday. I will also do my best to look through the materials you provided for this class and ask my classmates to share their notes. Thank you. Best regards, Lexie Brown

2. Email to a professor about grades

Subject: History 1B: Inquiring about my grade Dear Professor Smith, My name is Lexie Brown, from History 1B, Section 1. I was wondering if we could set up an appointment to discuss my grade on [Assignment name] . I have checked that your office hours are scheduled on Wednesdays from 2 to 5 PM. If this is correct, please let me know if I can come. I look forward to your reply. Kind regards, Lexie Brown

3. Email to a professor asking a question

Subject: Question about the History 1B assignment Dear Professor Smith, I am Lexie Brown, from History 1B, Section 1. In the syllabus, the deadline for our latest assignment is listed as April 9th. However, in class on Monday you mentioned April 12th as the deadline. Could you please verify the correct deadline? Thank you so much for your time. Sincerely, Lexie Brown

4. Email to a professor asking for an appointment

Subject: History 1B: Appointment request Dear Professor Smith, I am a student in your History 1B class, Section 1. I faced some difficulties with selecting a topic for my research paper, and I would appreciate it if I could discuss it with you during your office hours. Please let me know if you are available to meet this week. Thank you for your time. I look forward to your reply. Best regards, Lexie Brown

Want to become better at email? Get Spark . This free and powerful email client lets you use email templates, so you can save time with writing similar emails. It also gives you email superpowers like snoozes, email scheduling, and follow-up reminders to help you work with email faster.

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How to Email Faculty

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Whether you're writing a professor to ask for an extension or to look for a research opportunity, your emails to faculty members should be clear, polite, and to the point. Below are some guidelines for how to make a good impression over email.

Email Etiquette

Keep your email professional.

If you're emailing a professor for the first time, it's better to err on the side of being too formal rather than too casual. Follow these rules of basic email etiquette:

• Address your recipient by title and last name ( Dear Professor Interesting )
• Use full sentences and proper grammar, avoiding slang and emojis
• Keep the tone of your email courteous
• End with a concluding phrase and your name ( Sincerely, Juan Pupil )
• Give a useful subject line ( Research on X )

Stay brief and to the point

Long emails often get ignored until the recipient has time to deal with them, and faculty are extremely busy. Your email should focus on a specific item, such as setting up a time to meet or informing your professor of an upcoming absence. If you need to talk about something more involved, it is probably better to meet in person unless your professor tells you otherwise.

Reply in a timely fashion

Your professors appreciate a prompt reply just as much as you do. If a faculty member asks you for something that will take some time (for example, a report on your progress in the lab), reply quickly to confirm that you’re working on the task and provide a timeline for completion. 

Emailing to Ask for Extensions, Exceptions, and Allowances

Maybe you've been sick and have been missing class, or maybe you're dealing with an unexpected emergency. Whatever your circumstances, it's best to inform your instructors of your situation as soon as you can and ask if they can make allowances for you in accordance with their class and departmental policies.

Briefly explain your situation-- you don't have to give details if it makes you uncomfortable. Ask specifically for whatever allowance you're seeking (for example, an extension on a paper, or an alternate exam time). And do mention any support you're getting, because your instructors are probably worried about you. For example:

Dear Professor So-and-So, I'm Jane, a student in your X class. Because of a family emergency, I will be away from campus all of next week. I am writing to apologize for my absence from class and ask if I might have an extension on the paper due next Friday. Any allowance you can provide would be deeply appreciated. I have been talking with my Academic Advisor about my situation and have copied her on this message. Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing back from you. Sincerely, Jane Student

In certain cases, there may be department policies or other logistical challenges that prevent an instructor from giving you the allowances you seek. But it's always worth letting your instructor know about your situation and asking if there's any way they can be flexible with you. Remember that your professors are human too, and may be very willing to help you so long as you keep the doors of communication open.

Emailing a Potential Mentor for the First Time

When you reach out to a new professor that you want to connect with, your goal should be to set up a time to meet and talk in person. Keep your email short and to the point. For example:

Dear Professor So-and-So, I’m Jane, a prospective X major particularly interested in Y. I am writing you because I noticed that you teach classes in Y/ I read your paper on Y/ the Student Services Officer in your department suggested I reach out to you. I would love to get your advice on how I can get involved with research on Y during my time at Stanford. Could I come by your office hours? And if so, when are they? Sincerely, Jane Student

If the professor doesn’t respond, don’t lose hope! The professor might be particularly busy that week, or out of town, or simply missed your message in a flood of other emails. Try to reach out again. You can send a follow up email, or you can stop by in person during the professor’s office hours to introduce yourself and ask if you can set up a time to meet later. 

Emailing With your Faculty Mentor

As you develop relationships with particular professors, pay close attention to their communication styles. Especially if you are working with faculty on tangible outcomes (for example, an honors thesis or poster presentation), it’s a good idea to explicitly discuss communication preferences.

Here are some questions you might consider when thinking about a professor’s communication style:

• Does this professor respond to emails quickly or is it better to call or stop by office hours for quick responses?
• How formal is the professor in written communication?
• What sorts of questions or topics can be resolved by email and which require meeting in person?
• Are there situations where a phone or video meeting might be preferable?

Regardless of your mentor’s style, it will benefit you to be the active, responsible party in organizing one-on-one communication. Reach out, respond promptly, and remember to keep your emails short, specific, and courteous. 

No Response?

If you haven't heard back from your faculty member in about a week, it is reasonable to reach out one more time. If you still get no response, you might check with the relevant department's Student Services Officer about the best way to get in touch with that faculty member.

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How to Email a Professor

Last Updated: April 19, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Ashley Pritchard, MA . Ashley Pritchard is an Academic and School Counselor at Delaware Valley Regional High School in Frenchtown, New Jersey. Ashley has over 3 years of high school, college, and career counseling experience. She has an MA in School Counseling with a specialization in Mental Health from Caldwell University and is certified as an Independent Education Consultant through the University of California, Irvine. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 4,193,114 times.

Writing an email to a professor takes a bit more thought than shooting an email to a friend or sending a text. Your education is the beginning of your professional career, and you should treat any interactions you have in a professional manner , including emailing. For instance, you should always use your academic account and open your email with a formal greeting. Treat the interaction as you would a formal business letter. Be concise, and remember, grammar counts!

How to Write an Email to a Teacher

• Start an email with a proper salutation like "Dear," "Greetings," or "Hello."
• Introduce yourself by including your full name, the class, and class period.
• Be as brief as possible in your email; use correct grammar and spelling.
• Specify the action you want the professor to take, like replying.
• Close the email with a salutation and your full name.

Making a Good First Impression

• Your syllabus may contain information about course assignments, deadlines, class policies, and assignment formatting.
• If your professor only gives you a list of readings, it's fine to email them with a question that isn't answered in the syllabus.

• For instance, you could write "Question about Current Assignment" or "Final Essay."

• If you're not sure if the professor has a doctorate, you can address them as "Professor Jones."
• You can use a bit more informal greeting, such as "Hello Dr. Jones," if you've had personal interactions with the professor.

Creating the Content of the Email

• For instance, if you have a question about an assignment, get to the point: "I have a question about the assignment you gave us last Tuesday. Do you want us to work in groups or alone?"

• For instance, don't write, "Awesome class, man... stellar!"
• Instead, write, "You gave an enlightening lecture last class."

• For instance, you may want the professor to give you an extension on a paper . Don't say, "My grandmother died. Give me an extension on this paper." Rather, say, "I've had a difficult week with the death of my grandmother. Would you please give me an extension on this paper?"

• Don't forget to run your email through spellcheck.

Finishing Up Your Email

• For instance, you could say, "Thank you for addressing my question. I'll see you in class."
• If you'd like to meet, you could write, "I appreciate your thoughts on this issue. Would you mind if we met in person to discuss it in more detail?"

Sample Academic Emails

Sample Personal Emails

Expert Q&A

• Contact a peer first if the purpose of your email is to find out what you missed when absent. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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• ↑ https://dean.williams.edu/files/2010/09/Guide-to-Emailing-Professors-1.pdf
• ↑ https://www.purdue.edu/advisors/students/email.php
• ↑ Ashley Pritchard, MA. Academic & School Counselor. Expert Interview. 4 November 2019.
• ↑ https://ugr.ue.ucsc.edu/email
• ↑ https://www.menlo.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/writing-a-formal-email.pdf

About This Article

To email a professor, start with a formal salutation like "Dear Professor Jones" or "Hello Professor Jones." Then, briefly explain who you are by saying something like "I'm Mike Smith and I'm in your drawing 101 class on Mondays and Thursdays." Next, get straight to the point by stating why you're emailing. Remember to use a professional tone and language so your email doesn't sound too casual. When you're finished, end your email with "Sincerely" or "Best" followed by your full name. To learn how to proofread your email before sending it, scroll down! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Emailing a faculty member can be intimidating, especially if you don’t know them very well.  Getting an email started can be the hardest part of reaching out.  Thankfully, there are a few guiding rules that can help you start off on the right foot!

• Always start out your email with a polite “Dear” or “Hello” followed by your professor’s name/title (Dr. XYZ, Professor XYZ, etc.).  If you’re not sure what their proper title is, using “Professor” followed by their last name is almost always a safe bet.
• Tip: If you want to know their proper title, check the class syllabus!
• Even if your professor knows who you are, it can never hurt to give a brief introduction.  Simply giving your preferred name, year, major, and the course you’re enrolled in can provide a great deal of context.
• An email is more formal than a text or message on social media, so be sure this is reflected in your writing (no abbreviations/acronyms).  Be sure not only to use spelling/grammar check, but also proofread the email.  You can even ask a friend or roommate to give it one final read-through.
• Conclude your email with a closing, such as “Best regards”, “Sincerely”, or “Thank you” followed by your name.
• Tip: Set up a signature on your Purdue email account that include your full name, major, and intended graduation year. To learn how to do this, click here .

Example Email to a Professor

Dear Professor Smith,

My name is Emma Jones and I am a sophomore in your Tuesday/Thursday General Physics Class.  I am writing because in class yesterday you mentioned having some open positions in your research lab.  I found the summary of your project very interesting, and I would like to learn more and possibly talk to you about joining the lab.  Is there a time in the coming weeks that we could meet?

Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Best regards,

Emma Emma Jones Student ID: 123456 Applied Physics, Class of 2022

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How to Email a Professor: Research or Grad School Opportunity

Isabelle Gordon

This week Isabelle Gordon, or Izzy, as we know her in the Ryan Family Student Center, asked me on behalf of the Material Advantage club if I would blog about how to email a professor when inquiring about a research opportunity. Here’s the Anatomy of an Effective Email . This format is also useful for an inquiry email to a professor you’d like to work with for graduate school.

TO Field: Send it directly to the professor’s professional email account.

From: Use your Penn State email account.

Subject Line: This is one of the most important and neglected lines of email communication. Always use subject lines to announce the key idea. For example, you might write, Seeking Possible Undergraduate (or Graduate) Research Opportunity 

Opening: Dear is always acceptable and correct. You could also use Hello . Hey or barking out a professor’s first name is rude. Use titles when appropriate. In this case, you might write, Dear Professor <last name>. Use a colon instead of a comma after the last name. Commas are used for personal letters.

Body: Essentially this is an action-oriented message. You are making a request. AIDA or A ttention- I nterest- D esire- A ction is a good acronym to remember when composing this type of persuasive message.

Attention —use this opportunity to engage your reader. If another person the professor knows suggested you contact this professor, use the referral as your opener. Or you might pose a question that includes your accomplishments.

Example: Are you seeking an energetic, conscientious geoscience major with a 3.8 GPA and an ability to work both as a team and independently to join your lab? If so, please consider me.

Interest and Desire – -Explain why this professor’s lab is a good fit for your interests and talents. Develop Desire by showing specifically how the requirements for the position match your experience and expertise.

Example: I am interested in the work you are doing. I have read several of your journal articles, such as <Article Title>. <Show your ability to summarize accurately and concisely a few key points of the work being done.> I have <include your key benefit to the professor—what can you do for him/her because of your course work and experience>.

Action —you have to ask for what you want.

Example undergraduate research: I am very interested in research in this area because I would like to <your future goal and how it fits>. May I meet with you at your convenience to discuss my possible involvement in your research? I have attached my résumé and can be reached at <cell phone>. I look forward to hearing from you.

Example graduate school applicant : I have attached a copy of my CV for your consideration. Will you be accepting graduate students this upcoming academic year? I would be interested in discussing possibilities to work in your lab at your convenience. May I follow-up this email with a phone call, or I can be reached at <cell phone>. I look forward to hearing from you.

Best, All best, Best regards, Best wishes, Regards, Sincerely, Cordially, Sincerely yours, Yours, Love, Love and kisses and xxoo.

Okay, okay, these last four really aren’t used in business! I was just checking to see if you are paying attention.

The signature tells people how you would like to be addressed.

If you don’t get a response in a week or so, don’t despair. It’s okay to follow-up gently. The second time around you might write, “I know how busy you are…” It just shows how resourceful and determined you are. If you need writing help, come to drop-in hours Mondays through Thursdays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Your graduate writing tutors are waiting for you here in the RFSC!

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How To Write An Email To Your Professor—6 Copy-Paste Templates

Jun 25, 2022

Blog Academic Institutions How To Write An Email To Your Professor—6 Copy-Paste Templates

Do you ever struggle with what to say to a professor in an email? Writing an email to a professor requires more thought than sending a text to a friend.

It’s important to treat interactions with your professors in a mature, competent way. When you do that, your professors will be more inclined to help you. Plus, you’ll demonstrate to them that you can conduct yourself professionally—which will impress them and make them remember you for when opportunities arise, give them positive things to say about you in letters of recommendation and more.

Today’s blog will provide multiple email templates that you can use when emailing your professor in any of these common situations.

Scheduling a Meeting

If you want to schedule a meeting with a professor to go over an assignment, ask clarifying questions from class or questions about an upcoming exam, but can’t attend your professor’s regular office hours, use this template: Subject: Meeting About _____

Dear Professor (or however your professor address him/herself, i.e. Dr., first name, etc.) _____,

      I hope all is well. I started working on my assignment for _____ and I just had a couple of questions to make sure that I am on the right track. I also wanted to ask a question about yesterday’s lesson on _____, as I was a little confused and I want to ensure that I fully understand the content for the test next week. I know on the syllabus you mentioned that you have available office hours at _____ but I am not able to make it. Will you be at your desk at _____ or _____. Thank you, _____ Asking How to Improve Your Grade on an Assignment or Exam

If you’re unsatisfied with your grade on a recent assignment or exam, here is a template that will help you ask your professor on how to improve or if there are any extra credit options. Even though you’re probably frustrated with your grade, make sure to email your professor in a kind, professional way. Subject: Extra Support on _____

Dear Professor _____,

      I hope all is well and that you enjoyed your weekend. I saw that you posted the grades for our last reports. I was a little surprised and discouraged by my grade.

      I was wondering if you offer any extra credit opportunities, revisions or if you have any advice for me on how to improve on a future assignment. Are you available to meet _____ or _____ to discuss my report and a plan? Let me know what works for you.

I look forward to hearing from you,

Best, _____

Requesting an Extension

If you’re having a really tough, busy few weeks and you have an important assignment coming up, but you need more time to complete it, here is a template on how to tell your professor what is going on and to kindly ask for an extension. Be very specific about why you need an extension. Everyone is juggling multiple priorities, so telling your professor only that you’ve been “stressed out, sick or busy” isn’t enough. Explain the specific barriers you’ve faced when trying to complete the assignment. Even better, attach a note from your coach, employer or doctor who can attest to why you need an extension. Subject: Extension on _____

    I hope all is well. I have been extremely busy and stressed with assignments in other classes and with _____ (sports practice, on-campus job, other commitment, health condition, etc.). I do not think that I will be able to submit my best work to you with all of the other tasks on my agenda. I was wondering if you would consider granting me an extension on our upcoming project/paper and submit it by ______?

Asking for a Letter of Recommendation

If you know of a professor that you are close with or one who enjoys working with you, here is a template on how to ask for a recommendation for a future job or graduate school. Make sure that you give your professor at least two months’ notice so they have time to write a thoughtful recommendation.

Subject: Letter of Recommendation for _____

      I hope all is well and that you had a great _____ (summer, winter break, fall semester, etc…) I am applying for a _____ (summer internship, full-time job, graduate program, summer program, etc…) at _____. I really value and appreciate how you have helped me grow as a student and cultivated my interest in ____. The position requires a letter of recommendation, and I was wondering if you would consider writing one for me? If you are able to write it, I will follow up with a deadline and any additional information. I have attached a resume and cover letter below as a reference. I look forward to hearing from you, Kind Regards, _____ Information about a Particular Class

If you’re picking classes for the upcoming semester and you have researched a few classes or are unsure what you want to choose, here is a template that will help you ask a professor for more details on a class. If you have never taken a class with this professor before, make sure that you fully introduce yourself. Subject: Information on _____

      My name is _____ and I am a rising _____. I am trying to narrow down a few classes for the next semester. I am interested in _____ and I am considering majoring in _____. I was doing some research in the course catalog and I found your class. I am emailing you to see if you would consider sharing more details and potentially the syllabus on _____. Or, if you could refer me to a student who took this class who I could contact, that would be very helpful.

Thank you, _____

Personal Advice

If you developed a close relationship with a professor and you’re having a personal problem, here is a template to help if you feel comfortable enough to reach out to him or her.

Subject: Personal Help With _____

      I hope all is well. I recently encountered/am struggling with _____ and I’d love to talk to you about it. Will you be available _____ or _____ so I can come in and discuss this with you?

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Communicating with Professors: Sample Emails

Sending a personalized email to a faculty member.

Be professional! Keep it short and to the point

Include: a very brief bio about yourself, a statement about why you are interested in their research, that you would like to find out more about the possibility of working with them, provide your availability to begin, and be sure to ask for an appointment to meet with them.

Do not send out template emails. Personalize each one.

Limit your emails to 2 faculty within the same department.

Wait for a response. 

Correspondence Email Example #1

Dr. (or Professor)_______________,

My name is ______________ and I am a junior majoring in Biology with a minor in Health Advocacy. With exposure through the Lewis Honors College, I have become increasingly interested in undergraduate research, which is why I was so excited when you lectured Dr. Speck’s PGY206 class and presented your research lab. As an aspiring Physician’s Assistant with shadowing experience in Orthopedics, and as a former volleyball player with a personal interest in weight lifting and fitness, I believe that understanding the mechanisms of muscle hypertrophy would overall be very rewarding. 

I would greatly appreciate an opportunity to discuss the possibility of my involvement in your research. I am more than willing to commit for the spring semester and summer session of 2018 at the least. Please let me know when you may be available. Thank you for your consideration, I look forward to hearing back from you.

Correspondence Email Example #2

Dear Professor X:

My name is (your name), and I am very interested in becoming involved in research in Subject Area. I am a student at the University of Kentucky majoring in (major). I have:

Taken the following courses related to Subject Area...

Have had the following related experiences...

My goal is to...

I have reviewed your faculty research profile and am interested in the work that you have done. I was intrigued by your journal article "Article Title." (Provide reaction to article/area of research with specific references). I would like to get involved in research in this area because it will help me to better prepare for my long-term goals of…

Would it be possible to meet with you to further discuss (topic) and my possible involvement in research under your guidance? Here is my availability for the next two weeks (give several days and times that you’re available). I appreciate your consideration and look forward to hearing from you.

Respectfully,

Correspondence Email Example #3

NOTE: Sample email from UCLA student but would equate to a 395 course at UK Dear Dr. Bruin,

I am a first-year UCLA undergraduate student majoring in Psychology. I wish to enroll in the Student Research Program (SRP) 99 Contract Course administered by the Undergraduate Research Center–Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences. The program offers course units for research completed under the guidance of a UCLA faculty mentor.

I see by your faculty page that your research and teaching interests include stress in the workplace, and I recently read your article in Psychology Research entitled “Stress Analysis in the Workplace.”My research interests focus on the psychological impact of driving in Los Angeles, and I would like to explore how individual commutes could be a possible ‘upstream’ cause of workplace stress.

I would greatly appreciate an opportunity to meet with you to discuss the possibility of enrolling in an SRP 99 research course with you for the upcoming quarter. I am available on Tuesdays and Fridays after 2:00 p.m. for a meeting or interview. Please find my CV attached for your review. 

I appreciate your time and consideration.

Student’s Name

Correspondence Email Example #4

Dear Dr. (or Professor),

My name is __________________and I am currently a (year in school) here at the University of Kentucky majoring in (major) . Since coming to the University, I have become increasingly interested in getting involved in medical research. My ultimate goal is to become a pediatric doctor and I feel that participating in undergraduate research is a great way to gain further understanding of what being a doctor and working towards finding solutions to major medical issues is all about.

This semester I am a Chellgren Fellow, which has pushed me to get even more involved in research. As a Chellgren Fellow, we are prompted to get involved in research by finding a research mentor for the upcoming spring semester. I have attached a letter giving more details about the research aspect of the Fellowship from the professor in charge of the program.

I would love to meet with you to discuss the possibility of being involved in your research. Please let me know when you may be available. I truly look forward to hearing back from you. 

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ImPACKful Tips: How to Email Your Professor

Do you think it’s difficult to write an email to a professor asking for a recommendation letter or requesting a teaching assistantship? Don’t worry; you’re not alone! Most students find it difficult to ask their professors questions or to start a conversation with professors, especially if you’re a new international graduate student.

In graduate school, you will come across a wide range of occasions for writing emails to your professors. You may have to write emails requesting recommendation letters, emails for scheduling meetings, emails asking for opportunities in research or teaching, emails about an upcoming absence from a course or a meeting, emails about submissions or questions from a course, or follow-up emails.

Email plays an important role  in your grad life, not only when you apply for opportunities in your academic career, but also while you network with prospective employers.

We have always communicated with our teachers or professors since high school or undergrad via letters and emails. Yet it is important to pay enough attention to writing emails to professors in grad school, as an email might be your first impression as a professional to those professors.

Why is it difficult to write a simple academic email?

Many times, you have a different culture or a different style of writing from your time as an undergrad, or from your home country. Some may find that the American style of emailing a professor is too formal or too casual.

For example, back in India during my undergraduate experience, I remember using “sir” or “madam” excessively at the beginning or the end of each sentence in an email. Also, using “dear” as a greeting for a professor was not considered a formal gesture. Thus, though I was sufficiently fluent in written English, it was still difficult for me to adapt to the culture and etiquette of the “US style” of writing emails to professors.

But I slowly learned with the help of some feedback from my advisor and also by learning from the departmental emails that I initially received from professors or other grad students, and I became comfortable emailing professors.

Here are some simple tips to follow, which will help you get better at the “US style” of emailing your professors.

What are the important sections of an academic email?

Email address.

Always use your university-affiliated email address or, if not, use a professional email address to make sure your email does not land in the spam folder before the reader/your professor even notices it!

For example,

• [email protected] — Yes!
• [email protected] — Not quite.

The Subject

The subject line should instantly convey what the email is about and where it’s coming from. It should avoid ambiguity and mystery.

• Meeting request for Rahul Khanna  (add your name and surname)  — Yes!
• Hello! Is it possible to meet? — Not quite.

The Greeting

The greeting should personally address the receiver of the email, but at the same time, it should not be informal or too casual .

• “Dear Dr. Xyz,” or “Dear Prof. Xyz,” — Yes!
• “Hey there,” or “Hi!” — Not quite.

The Introduction

While starting to write your email, you should identify yourself and explain your connection to the professor in context with the purpose of the email.

• “I am Rahul Khanna, a graduate student enrolled in your course XYZ 750.” — Yes!
• “I want to ask you a question about…” — Not quite.

The Main Body

• Be polite while stating your request in the email.
• Pay attention to the language and grammar . Write a short , simple, and error-free message to save your time as well as your professor’s time.
• Remember not to ask questions about any information that is publicly available , such as information on a class syllabus. It is always better to be informed before you contact your professor.

The Closing

While adding closing remarks, consider the timeline for when you expect a response from the professor, for example, the deadline to submit a recommendation letter. Along with the request, the closing remarks should include an expression of gratitude for your professor’s time and consideration.

A professional signature may include your full name. You might also wish to use your preferred name that you would like your reader to use in future conversations. You may also include your affiliation and possible ways to contact you including the physical address of your office or college, office phone number, and maybe a link to a professional website and/or your LinkedIn profile.

Attachments

Lastly, remember to mention and attach any documents needed for the purpose of the email. The attachments may include your resume, CV, or documents for submission.

To learn more about the Do’s and Don’ts of emailing a professor from Dr. Katie Homar, please visit the link here .

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How to Email a Professor (for Research Jobs)

A template for cold emails that convert.

Shoutout: Join me and my friend Mathias Lalika, MD, MPH (who’s done research for the Gates Foundation) for a webinar on " How to Apply for (paid) Research Jobs in the US & Canada " on Sunday, March 24th, 2024 at 9 am EST. There is a 50% off to anyone who registers by March 17th, 2024. Hurry up, use code “EARLY50” and secure your seat here: https://bit.ly/3IyfoiI More details at the end of this email.

Hi! In this email, I will show you my cold email strategies that helped me get 9 responses from Professors and 4 interviews from just 16 emails.

A cold email for a research position is a formal way to show genuine interest in a professor’s research and ask for an opportunity to work with them. A successful cold email can open the door to valuable first-hand research experience, mentorship, a funded position, and visa sponsorship. It can also help you build relationships and a network. But before going forward, I want you to pause for a moment and think: how would you react if you got an unsolicited knock on your door? What would make you listen to the person knocking? What would make you take action? A knock on your home's door will only be received well if the person knocking uses the correct key phrases or passcodes. Similarly, professors have priorities and receive numerous emails (knocks) daily, so your email must stand out. Here are 4 steps to ensure your cold email stands out:

Step 1: Research

You should first learn about the professors' work from their faculty website or by searching them on google scholar or researchgate. You should determine what research areas they specialize in and browse through a few of their abstracts.

If your prior experiences or the professor’s work do not align, do not email them (yet).

For example, if the professor mainly does RNA Seq analysis projects requiring R knowledge, you should only email them if you are versatile with R.

Step 2: Draft the subject line

A concise and captivating subject line is essential to encourage your future supervisor to open your email. Ensure that the subject line is related to the message. The title will depend on whether you are applying for an opening or asking for a research opportunity.

I kept my subject lines clear and specific. Here are some subject line suggestions:

"Research opportunity in topic X ”

“ topic X + research”

“research at department Y ”

“postdoc application in topic X ”

Speaker profiles (clickable):

Continuation…

Step 3: Draft the email

It is important that your email is concise, as it will increase the likelihood that your message will be read and replied to.

A cold email is different from a cover letter and your CV.

Your cold email aims to pique your professors' curiosity to read your cover letter and CV and have a meeting/ interview with you.

Most guides out there advise you to start by introducing yourself. For example, “my name is X, and I am a graduate in Y etc.” This, in my view, is a very boring way to start a cold email.

Instead follow this method:

The 1234 format: 1. About the professor 2. The bridge 3. About you 4. CTA 1. About the professor ( 1 or 2 lines) Explain why you’re emailing them about their research. Start your email by acknowleding the professor’s work and stating what stood out to you.

This part is your HOOK! It must be interesting and show that you have done research. No one dislikes getting a genuine praise/ kudos for their work. Recognizing their work and commending what stood out will get their attention. Questions to help you brainstorm this part:

Give examples from the research you have done on them (e.g. list one or two of their papers that you read and mention something specific that you found compelling). Why did I choose them as a good fit for my research interests?

2. The bridge ( 1 line)

The 1 or 2 lines above got their attention. Now, you need to state EXACTLY why you are emailing them. Don’t delay this further.

Write a line stating that their work aligns with your prior experiences, interests, and future goals as a researcher and that you would like to work with them or apply as a postdoc/ research assistant.

3. About you (1 or 2 lines)

After the bridge, you can write about your education, key past research experiences, and future goals that align with their work or make you a great fit to join their lab.

Keep in mind that professors are also always looking out for strong applicants who can push their research agenda forward. So getting a qualified candidate is a win-win situation for them as well.

Questions to help you brainstorm this part:

What sort of background, if any, do I have that is relevant to the research? Why does this matter to me? How will getting involved in research of this type help me get closer to whatever academic, career and personal goals I might have?

If you are also attaching a cover letter, do not repeat what is already there. Just summarize the most important highlights in these 1-2 lines.

4. CTA (Call-to-Action)

The best way to write this part is by asking them a question or requesting an appointment to meet them to discuss further. Without CTA, your email may be thrown into the “read later” folder. Briefly include days/times that you are available (i.e., Monday through Wednesday from 11–4, and all day Friday) and provide your contact information. Asking an interesting question will also help you get a response and potential interview.

Step 4: Email Add-ons

I always include an email signature in my emails and strongly recommend you do so. This is another subtle way of making an impression.

Your email signature should have your degree, a significant award (for example, Chevening Scholar), and contact details.

Additionally, if you have an institutional email from your University, use that instead of gmail or yahoo. This further improves credibility and delivery. It subtly gives them the idea that you are currently in academia.

Avoid using the terms Dear Sir/ Hello Sir/ Dear Ms. The word “Sir” is too generic. Always address them with a “Dr.” + “last name.”

Lastly, it is essential to review the email for any grammatical or sentence structure errors and ensure it is professional and conveys your legitimate interest in the research opportunity.

Example of a bad email: DO NOT SEND THIS

Hi Henrietta,

My name is Name and I am a major in Major . Is there space in your lab for an undergraduate? If so, what is the pay rate?

Thanks, Name

Example of a good “madeup” email:

Hi Dr. Hopkins ,

I hope this email finds you well.  What did you find fascinating about their research. Expression of interest in a specific paper or topic.   Your work aligns with my previous experiences in X and Y and I am contacting you to apply for a postdoctoral research position in your lab.

I did a  Master’s in X and Y  and obtained experience in  research experience or class ,  confirming my intention to develop my research skills and  goal .  

I have attached my CV and transcripts. I would appreciate the chance to speak to you about your research on  a topic of interest . Please let me know if there is any other information I can provide. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Email signature

Getting your foot in the door with cold email can be tricky the first few times, but it can be highly effective once you grasp it.

Do not get discouraged if you do not receive a positive response right away. Like all things, this will take time and practice. Remember, all it takes is one “yes”! Let me know if you have any questions. Happy cold emailing!

How can I help you?

Join me and my friend Mathias Lalika, MD, MPH (who’s done research for the Gates Foundation) for a webinar on " How to Apply for (paid) Research Jobs in the US & Canada " on Sunday, March 24th, 2024 at 9 am EST. There is a 50% off to anyone who registers by March 17th, 2024. Hurry up, use code “EARLY50” and secure your seat here: https://bit.ly/3IyfoiI More details at the end of this email.

Here is the event’s agenda (clickable):

Ready for more?

Email Etiquette: How to Address Your Professors [With Samples]

Written by Nathan Brunner .

Last updated on March 26, 2024.

When writing an email, a professor or lecturer should usually be addressed with the honorific title “Professor.”

However, there are special cases, such as teaching assistants, laboratory assistants, and other faculty members, who may be referred to as Mr. or Doctor.

The general rule is to use the most prestigious title. Here are the academic titles ranked from most prestigious to least prestigious:

• Anyone holding the rank of professor ( associate or assistant professors , visiting professors , emeritus professors , etc.) may be addressed as “Professor” or “Professor + Surname.”
• Non-professors who hold a doctorate (teaching assistant, lab assistant, or other faculty members) may be addressed as “Doctor” or “Doctor + Surname”
• Teaching assistants or lab assistants who do not have a Ph.D. may be addressed as Mr., Ms., or Mrs. 
• Some professors prefer to be called by their first names, but others do not like this. Never do this unless they explicitly invite you to do so. If you are totally at a loss about what to call a professor, it is better to be overly polite than overly familiar.

Now that you know how to use the appropriate title when writing emails to your professors let me show you some examples.

Tip : Find Student Jobs on Salarship .

How to Format Your Email

In many ways, writing to a professor is no different from writing a business letter.

You should format your email with:

• Address your professor :   “Dear Professor + Last name” or “Dear Dr. + Last name.”
• Write your message : make sure it is easy to understand and do not go into unnecessary details.
• End your mail with your signature : “Sincerely + Your name and last name.”

Below are two email examples that you can use as inspiration.

Example 1: How to Address Your Professors When Writing an Email for a Research Opportunity

The first example is an email sample to apply for a research opportunity.

When asking for a research opportunity, do not forget to mention your interest in the research group, explain why research is important for your goals, and ask to schedule a meeting.

Dear Professor Jones, I hope this email finds you well. I am a second-year student at university majoring in mathematics. I would appreciate the chance to talk with you about your research in applied statistics and about possible undergraduate opportunities in your lab. My interest in applied statistics, confirmed my intention to develop my research skills in this field. We could schedule an appointment or I can drop by your office hours on day and time. I have attached my resume and unofficial transcript.  Please let me know if there is any other information I can provide. I look forward to talking to you soon. Sincerely, << Your name >> << Your email address >>

Do not forget to attach your transcript to the email. If you want to learn more about how to craft such emails, I recommend this article: How to Email a Professor About Research Opportunities .

Example 2: How to Address Your Professor When Writing an Excuse of Absence Letter

Sometimes, laboratory assistants or even professors prepare materials for laboratory sessions.

If you can not come, it is good manners to send an email before attending a laboratory session. Below is an example of an excuse of absence letter:

Dear Professor Jones, I will be unable to attend Chemisitry laboratory session tomorrow (Wednesday, August 30) due to recent illness. The syllabus indicates that your office hours are between 1:00-3:00pm on Friday. Would you be available in your office this Friday so I can receive the lab assignment and ask for clarification on the material presented in class? I appreciate your time and look forward to speaking with you soon. Sincerely, << Your name >> << Contact information >>

Use the Proper Email Etiquette

There are guidelines students should follow to write an excellent email:

• Write a descriptive and clear subject line.  Professors receive hundreds of emails a week. It is crucial to write a subject line containing the course name and a brief explanation of your motives. For example, “Analysis 3: Request for meeting” or “Algebra 2: The homework can’t be solved.”
• Use your university email address . It looks more professional, and you are less likely to end up in the spam folder. If you do not have a university email address, follow these guidelines to create a professional email account .
• Do not waste your professors’ time. Make sure it is appropriate to email your professors. If you have problems with your homework, you can usually contact the teaching assistants or ask during office hours.
• Check your spelling and grammar before sending your email.

Tip : 97,327 Student Jobs Are Available on Salarship .

The Bottom Line

You should treat electronic communication the same way you would a written letter.

When writing to your professors, remember to use proper grammar, a formal salutation, and the professor’s title.

Listen well during the introduction class. Your professors will tell you how they want to be addressed.

If you want to learn more about when it is appropriate to write to your professors, I recommend this article about the different activities of college professors . It will give you an idea of their role within the university.

Some requests (such as an email to miss a class or drop out of a course) might be better addressed by teaching assistants, laboratory assistants, faculty members, and faculty staff.

Salarship is a job board that focuses on low-competition jobs.

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How to Email a Professor About Research Opportunities

If you are a student trying to pursue your Ph.D. or Masters, you need to know the basics of how to email a professor for research opportunities. Email is the essential medium while approaching a potential supervisor for research opportunities or a scholarship program. 

Your email needs to be polished and concise. You have to put all the information about yourself which is appropriate for this particular program. Does it sound complicated? Do not worry. We’ve got you covered! 

The professors get thousands of emails every day from different students around the world . So your email must stand out from others and get selected . So here are a few tips that you should consider before and while writing a proposal email. 

Also,  check out the sample email to get some ideas about how to email a professor for research opportunities.

How to email a professor for research opportunities: 8 tips to remember

Before sending your email to a professor for research opportunities, try to use these 8 tips as a checklist. This will guide your process and help you with the email more efficiently. So that, your email will be outstanding and suitable for the topic.

1. Find your desired program

First of all, you need to think about which program you want to take for your master’s or Ph.D and which university to choose. You can read  Important factors on deciding how to choose a university for insight .

The Ph.D. program can be research-based, or it can be a professional doctorate as well. A professional doctorate program does not contain any research experience. Here is the elaborated description of  the different types of Ph.D .

So, make up your mind about the program you feel is right for you.

2. Do a detailed research

Before sending emails to the professors, it is important to look for all the details that you need to know. Go through the university websites to search for your potential supervisors. Moreover, you should check their field of work and research projects so that you can match your choice of research with them. 

There are several ways to explore their work via reading their articles & research papers, or attending their webinar, conference, etc.

3. Subject Line for the email

The first thing that will get noticed by the professor is the subject line of your email. Without a specific subject line, your email can get to the spam folder and remain unnoticed. You have to put the informative subject line so that the professor gets the purpose of the email immediately.  The subject line has to be short, precise, and relevant. 

For example, the subject line can be:

Applying for the research opportunity.

Requesting for a Ph.D. Position

Requesting for a master’s opportunity in your research lab.

Inquiry about the master’s program in your department.

4. Body description:

Remember that all the information that you are putting here is going to be a deal breaker for you. So take your time to prepare an email. Here are a few points that are needed to check while writing the body of the email.

Keep it formal

Since you are writing a professional email, you have to maintain a formal tone. Do not use any slang, emoji, emoticons in any part of the email.  Try not to use any unnecessary information, which is not required in this aspect.

How to address a professor in an email

You should not start your email by addressing your professor with “HI ____, or HEY ____’. Using words that sound polite is a mandatory thing when you write to your potential supervisor. For that, You can use  Dear  before writing the name of the professor. Do not use  Mr/ Mrs  as they are not appropriate.

For example,

Dear Professor X,

Dear DR. X,

Qualifications and experiences:

While writing the body of the email, you first need to address why you are writing this email in the first place. Then,  you have to put all your qualifications and educational background chronologically . Write the experience or skills you have in the research field. If you have any published article or paper, then you need to write about it. In case you don’t have one, do not worry about it! It is not going to make a difference.

After that, you need to write about your interest in this specific research field. You can write about why your experience and interest are valuable for this research opportunity. If you have worked on this topic before, write about it. Or maybe read articles regarding this topic so that you can use precise details about your interest. 

It will help your professor understand that you are a dedicated student who has an actual interest in this research opportunity.

Write your contact information.

If your professor likes your email, they may want to contact you further; therefore, write down your contact information like email ID, contact number, address accurately.

Conclusion of the email

To conclude your email, you should use appreciative words that will make a good impression on you. Do not use any words that sound harsh.  Keep it simple.  Finish it by expressing your enthusiasm for this project.  Attach your CV and other documents.

Thank you so much for your time and for reading my email about the research opportunity. Hoping to hear from you soon.

I appreciate you taking the time to read my application for the research internship for this project. I will be honored if I get the opportunity to work with you on this project.

5. Asking for a fund

If you ask for a fund for your Ph.D., you need to elaborate on your research topic precisely and all the costs estimation (if necessary). On the other hand, asking for a fund specifically for your master’s program, as a Teacher’s Assistant (TA) or Research Assistant (RA), should be addressed clearly on the subject line. 

For this particular set of positions, you may need to add the Statement of purpose (SOP) with the email. Check out this blog to know  how to write a statement of purpose.

6. Proofread the email before sending it

After writing everything, you need to check for any spelling and grammatical mistakes . Do not rush about the Email. Write the draft and re-edit it. Before sending it, check all the information thoroughly in case you missed something.

7. Word limits

As you can understand, your professor is an occupied person. Your email has to be direct. About 250-400 works might be good for you.  Do not make it long by adding irrelevant information.

8. Wait for the reply from a professor

Last but not least, you have to understand that your potential supervisor is busy with various works.  Keep patience!  It is entirely okay if they do not reply to you immediately. It is going to take time. 

Even if they do not reply to you back, you should start looking for other options. Do not take it personally.  Have patience, be persistent, and send emails to all the universities you like to get in. 

9. Email a potential supervisor Sample

This sample will help you to get an idea about how to email a potential supervisor. It contains the information you have to put in the  body of the email ,  addressing the professor  and others. Do not send this email. 

Subject: Applying for the research opportunity.

Dear Dr. X,

Hope this email finds you well. My name is _________. I have recently graduated from the University of _______ with a GPA of 3.8 in Microbiology. I am currently working as a research assistant at the University of _______ under the supervision of Prof. __________. I have published two papers on “ Presence of Microorganism in Rhizosphere soil” and “ Microorganism in different temperatures.” My research interest includes _________. (You can add other experience and skills here)

In my thesis, I worked on the topic “Environmental Microbiology.” And while working on my paper, I came across your research paper about ‘ Biotechnology and Environmental Biology”. I got inspiration from your paper about this topic. I have attended some of your webinars regarding this topic as well. Therefore, I wish to complete my master’s under your supervision. It will be great if I can work in your research program for my master’s program. I have attached my CV and my _______ documents with this email. 

I hope you consider me as a potential candidate for your program. Thank you so much for your time and for reading my email about the research opportunity. Hoping to hear from you soon.

Lara Stevenson

Contact number

These tips will give you an elaborated idea on how to email for research opportunities. Send emails to all the potential supervisors for your research opportunity. But, keep in mind that you should only apply to the program you feel interested in and genuinely prefer their research project for your master’s or Ph.D. 

You should always plan for a plan B and keep going. Good luck! 

How to email a professor | Will you be my advisor?

How to ace your first email to a potential academic supervisor?

So, let’s summarize everything you read so far:

I am a final-year student in my undergrad program. I am an extroverted person who loves to make friends everywhere. I am passionate about my work and seek new opportunities every day.

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Sample Letter Hub

Student Research Assistant Resignation Letter

By Mubashir

July 22, 2024

Leaving a job can be a daunting task, but writing a clear and professional resignation letter is a great way to leave a lasting impression. When writing your letter, be sure to be polite and humble in your tone. Explain your decision to leave and express your gratitude for the opportunity to work as a student research assistant.

In this blog article, we will share an example of a student research assistant resignation letter with you. This letter can be used as a template to help you write your own letter. Be sure to tailor the letter to your specific situation and include all of the necessary information.

We hope this blog article has been helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.

Dear Professor [Professor’s Name],

Please accept this letter as formal notification of my resignation from my position as a Student Research Assistant in the [Department Name]. My last day of employment will be [Last Day of Employment].

I have enjoyed my time working as a Research Assistant under your supervision. I have gained valuable experience and knowledge that will be beneficial in my future endeavors.

I would like to express my gratitude for the opportunity to work on this project. I wish you and the research team all the best in the future.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Short Student Research Assistant Resignation Letter Sample

Please accept this letter as formal notification that I am resigning from my position as Student Research Assistant at [Company Name]. My last day of employment will be [Your Last Day]. Thank you for the opportunity to grow and learn during my time here. I wish you and the company continued success. I am happy to assist in the transition process to ensure a smooth handover of my responsibilities. I wish you all the best with your student research assistant resignation letter.

When it’s time to say farewell, expressing your gratitude and best wishes can make the transition smoother:

• Good-bye letter to boss
• Goodbye letter to co-workers

How to Write a Student Research Assistant Resignation Letter

1. start with a formal salutation.

Begin your letter with a formal salutation, such as “Dear [Professor’s Name].”

2. Express Your Gratitude

Express your gratitude for the opportunity to work as a research assistant. Mention the specific experiences and skills you gained during your time in the position.

3. State Your Reason for Resigning

Clearly state your reason for resigning, whether it’s to pursue other opportunities, focus on your studies, or take a break. Be brief and professional.

4. Offer to Help with the Transition

Offer to assist with the transition process by training your replacement or providing documentation. This shows your commitment to the team and the project.

5. End with a Professional Closing

End your letter with a professional closing, such as “Sincerely,” followed by your typed name.

Student Research Assistant Resignation Letter: 6 FAQs

Resigning from a student research assistant position can be a daunting task. Here are six frequently asked questions and answers to help you navigate the process:

1. What should I include in my resignation letter?

Your resignation letter should include your name, position, the date you’re resigning, and your last day of work. You should also express your gratitude for the opportunity and briefly state your reason for leaving.

2. How formal should my resignation letter be?

The tone of your resignation letter should be professional and respectful. While it’s not necessary to be overly formal, you should avoid using slang or overly casual language.

3. How much notice should I give?

The amount of notice you give will depend on the terms of your employment. However, it’s generally considered good practice to give at least two weeks’ notice.

4. What if I’m leaving on bad terms?

Even if you’re leaving on bad terms, it’s important to remain professional in your resignation letter. Avoid making negative comments or accusations. Instead, focus on expressing your gratitude and stating your reason for leaving in a neutral way.

5. Should I offer to help with the transition?

Offering to help with the transition can show that you’re committed to leaving the position in a positive way. You can offer to train your replacement or help with any other tasks that need to be completed before you leave.

6. What if I’m not sure what to say in my resignation letter?

If you’re not sure what to say in your resignation letter, you can use a template or seek advice from a career counselor or mentor.

Before making the decision to resign from your job, it’s essential to consider the legal aspects:

• Legal considerations before resigning from a job

Understanding your emotions after quitting your job is important. Explore why you might be feeling sad:

• Why do I feel sad after quitting my job?
• Resignation letter sample
• Forced resignation letter
• Resignation letter due to going abroad
• Resignation letter due to marriage
• Resignation letter due to other opportunity
• Resignation letter due to mistake

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• Resume and Cover Letter
• 27 Great Resume Summary...

27 Great Resume Summary Examples to Get Hired

20 min read · Updated on June 03, 2024

Your resume summary is the first impression you make on potential employers, so it's crucial to get it right

When it comes to job applications, your resume is often the first point of contact with prospective employers. It's essential to make a good impression right from the start and that's where your resume summary comes in. Your summary is a brief statement at the top of your resume that highlights your skills , experiences , and achievements , making it a key part of your job application.

In this article, you'll learn how to write the ultimate resume summary that will grab the attention of recruiters and hiring managers. You'll discover what makes a good summary and what to avoid, as well as how to sell yourself effectively to potential employers.

You may be wondering: what exactly is a resume summary and how do I write one? We'll answer these questions and provide examples of professional summaries for various industries.

By the end of this article, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to create a standout resume summary that will help you to land your dream job.

What is a resume summary?

To understand a resume summary, it's important to understand the challenge that good summaries are designed to overcome. Employers who are looking for new hires often need to compare many dozens or even hundreds of resumes to find the best candidates for the job. Few hiring personnel have the time needed to thoroughly examine every single resume that they receive.

Instead, employers typically spend no more than five or six seconds scanning any given resume. If a resume manages to capture their interest in those few seconds, they'll take the time to read it in greater detail. 

However, if your resume doesn't grab their attention, it's likely to be rejected without any further examination. So, the challenge is to find a way to quickly earn the reader's interest and inspire them to read the rest of the document.

That's where your resume summary comes into play. As you'll see from our resume summary examples, a good summary is the resume equivalent of a salesperson's elevator pitch. 

This brief statement should highlight your experience and job title, one or two key skills, and a couple of your most prominent achievements. When your summary is crafted well, it will provide the employer with a quick overview of your potential value as a new hire.

Once you've written your summary, you should place it right after your contact information and resume headline , so that it's the first thing employers see. If you've done your job properly, that summary will be compelling enough to make the reader want to learn more about the type of value you can bring to the job.

How should you start a resume summary?

After your headline, you should include a brief opening statement that summarizes who you are. This statement should be concise and compelling, and it should clearly communicate your unique value proposition. Here are some examples of strong opening statements:

Innovative Marketing Manager with over five years of experience in developing and executing successful campaigns for Fortune 500 companies

Results-driven Sales Executive with a proven track record of exceeding revenue targets and building strong client relationships

Skilled Customer Service Representative with expertise in problem-solving, conflict resolution, and communication

Tips for writing a resume summary

To make sure you get your summary spot on, follow our top tips:

Be specific

When writing a resume summary, it's essential to be specific and quantify your achievements wherever possible. Instead of saying, "Experienced marketing professional," try saying, "Experienced marketing professional with expertise in managing successful social media campaigns, resulting in increases of up to 30% in website traffic."

This provides concrete evidence of your skills and demonstrates your value to potential employers.

Reflect on your career

When it comes to writing a strong resume summary, you should engage in some self-reflection. Before putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), take some time to think about your key skills, experiences, and achievements. This will help you to identify the most important information to include in your summary. Review your past roles, responsibilities, and accomplishments, and think about how they relate to the job you're applying for. Ask yourself:

What have I achieved in my career?

What skills have I developed?

What makes me stand out from other applicants?

Identify your key skills

One of the most important things to include in your resume summary is your key skills. These are the abilities that set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your value to potential employers. Begin by making a list of your top skills, then prioritize them based on relevance to the job you're applying for.

Highlight your relevant experiences

Next, think about relevant experiences that you can include in your summary. This includes any previous jobs or internships, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities that have given you valuable experience. Consider what you've learned and achieved in each role and how that relates to the job you're applying for.

You should focus on what is most relevant to your target job. Here are some examples:

Proven ability to increase sales revenue by 20% year on year

Expertise in project management and team leadership

Proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft 365

Confident working with a diverse range of clients and stakeholders

Keep it concise

Remember, your resume summary should be concise and to the point. Stick to the most important information and avoid filler words or irrelevant details. A good rule of thumb is to keep your summary to 3-5 sentences.

Use action verbs

When describing your experiences and achievements, use strong action verbs and adverbs to convey a sense of accomplishment and momentum. For example, instead of saying, "Responsible for managing social media accounts," say, "Successfully manages social media accounts."

Quantify your achievements

Wherever possible, use numbers and statistics to quantify your achievements. This provides concrete evidence of your skills and demonstrates your value to potential employers. For example, instead of saying, "Helped to increase sales," say, "Helped to increase sales by 20% in the first year."

Tailor it to the job

Make sure your resume summary is tailored to the job you're applying for. This means highlighting the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the role. Look at the job description and identify the key requirements, and then make sure your summary addresses these points.

Professional resume summary examples

Since there's nothing quite like seeing an example of a great summary, we've compiled twenty-seven great resume summary examples that you can use as inspirational templates for your own perfect resume . Below, you'll find summary examples for a variety of different job roles, including:

Customer Service Representative

Sales Representative

Marketing Manager

Project Manager

Software Developer

Human Resources Manager

Graphic Designer

Registered Nurse

Financial Analyst

Administrative Assistant

Data Entry Clerk 

Business Analyst

Operations Manager 

Mental Health Counselor

High School Teacher

Event Manager

Digital Marketing Manager

Content Marketer

SEO Specialist

Bank Teller

Software Support Specialist

Data Scientist

Dental Assistant

1.     Customer Service Representative resume summary example

"Highly motivated Customer Service Representative with 5 years of experience in delivering service excellence. Skilled in conflict resolution and problem-solving, resulting in a 95% customer satisfaction rate. Proven ability to multitask in fast-paced environments while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail."

Why it works : This summary highlights the candidate's experience and skills while also showcasing their relevant achievements in ensuring customer satisfaction. It mentions how much experience they have and calls out a measurable success.

2.     Sales Representative resume summary example

"Dynamic Sales Representative with a track record of exceeding sales quotas by 20%+. Proficient in consultative sales techniques and relationship building. Exceptional communication and negotiation skills with the ability to close deals."

Why it works : This summary provides a quantifiable achievement to show the candidate's success in their previous sales roles while also highlighting their key skills in relationship building and communication.

3.     Marketing Manager resume summary example

"Strategic Marketing Manager with 7+ years of experience in developing and executing successful marketing campaigns across multiple channels. Skilled in market research and analysis, campaign optimization, and team leadership. Proven track record of driving revenue growth and increasing brand awareness."

Why it works : This summary emphasizes the candidate's experience and leadership skills while also showcasing their ability to drive results through successful marketing campaigns. The candidate has also demonstrated their ability to grow revenues and raise brand awareness.

4.     Project Manager resume summary example

"Accomplished Project Manager, with confidence in leading cross-functional teams and managing project timelines, budgets, and resources. Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to build relationships with stakeholders. Proven track record of delivering projects on time and within budget."

Why it works : This summary highlights the candidate's extensive project management experience and emphasizes their ability to successfully deliver projects while working with multiple stakeholders.

5.     Software Developer resume summary example

"Innovative Software Developer with 5+ years of experience in designing, developing, and implementing complex software applications. Skilled in programming languages including Java, Python, and C++. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in Agile environments to deliver high-quality code on time."

Why it works : This job seeker has taken the time to highlight some of the technical skills they possess, while emphasizing their ability to work in Agile environments. They also call attention to the fact that they can take a software development project from design to implementation.

6.     Human Resources Manager resume summary example

"Experienced Human Resources Manager specializing in talent acquisition, employee relations, and performance management. Skilled in developing and implementing HR policies and procedures that align with business objectives and values. Proven track record of building and managing high-performing teams."

Why it works : This summary highlights the candidate's experience in various HR functions and emphasizes their ability to build and manage teams. It also shows that they can perform managerial functions like developing policies and procedures.

7.     Graphic Designer resume summary example

"Creative Graphic Designer with particular expertise in developing and executing visually stunning designs for print and digital media. Proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud, with a focus on typography and layout. Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously."

Why it works : This summary works well because it showcases their technical skills and experience while also emphasizing creativity and an ability to work collaboratively.

8.     Registered Nurse resume summary example

"Compassionate Registered Nurse with over 10 years' experience in providing high-quality patient care. Skilled at patient assessment, medication administration, and treatment plan development. Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport with patients and their families."

Why it works : This summary emphasizes the candidate's clinical and patient care experience and highlights their key nursing and interpersonal skills.

9.     Financial Analyst resume summary example

“Detail-oriented Financial Analyst with a strong background in financial modeling, data analysis, and forecasting. Combines advanced Excel skills with the ability to create and manage financial reports. Able to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.”

Why it works : This summary showcases the applicant's specific skills and experience in financial analysis and highlights their proficiency in Excel, a crucial tool for the role.

10.  Administrative Assistant resume summary example

“Skilled Administrative Assistant with 8 years of experience in administrative support and office administration. Resilient, detail-oriented, and able to work under extreme pressure in a team environment. Excellent interpersonal, client management, and interdepartmental liaison skills. Committed to successful management of multiple simultaneous projects, strict adherence to deadline requirements, and accurate maintenance of schedules, meeting obligations, and records.”

Why it works : An Administrative Assistant wears many hats and experiences many challenges. This resume summary covers a lot of ground to demonstrate that the candidate understands those obstacles and knows how to overcome them.

11.  Data Entry Clerk resume summary example

“Task-driven and results-oriented professional with more than 10 years of experience in data entry, project coordination, and customer service. Uses interpersonal skills including effective communication to build rapport and positive relations with customers, gather vital information, and ensure rapid and accurate entry of data into designated software programs.”

Why it works : This resume summary is effective because it gets right to the heart of the job: dealing with customers and entering data into databases. The candidate also emphasizes their results-focused mindset, project skills, and key soft skills.

12.  Business Analyst resume summary example

“Results-driven Business Analyst with a proven record in expanding profitability by 55% in the retail industry.  Confident carrying out data-focused analysis that provides key insights and recommendations for growth strategies. Strong interpersonal and team building skills, innovative approach to problem-solving , and resolute commitment to efficiency and productivity.”

Why it works : Business analysis is all about using data and research to deliver key insights that result in improved operations and greater business success. This summary hits all the right notes as it focuses on key skills, a solutions-oriented mindset, and notable achievements that reflect real value for employers.

13.  Operations Manager resume summary example

“Results-oriented Operations Manager with more than 10 years of supervisory experience in high-level operational environments. Adept at coordinating both large and small teams, outside consultants, and mid-level management personnel. Successfully introduced Lean manufacturing principles that reduced costs by 32% via waste elimination and process revitalization.”

Why it works : This candidate's summary emphasizes key skills that the employer wants to see in any managerial candidate, while also showcasing their knowledge of best operational practices and a commitment to cost reduction.

14.  Mental Health Counselor resume summary example

“Compassionate Mental Health Counselor with more than a decade of experience addressing mental health issues and behavioral concerns. Proven success in both individual and group counseling environments, assisting clients in gaining insight and understanding of their unique conditions. Specialized focus on working with young adults and families, with an emphasis on addressing substance abuse root causes and other social factors involved in mental health.”

Why it works : This resume summary is notable for citing important skills like empathy and compassion. It also focuses attention on the candidate's experience in dealing with common mental health concerns and hints at their preferred approach to assisting patients.

15.  High School Teacher resume summary example

“Dynamic high school teacher with 12 years of experience developing approved curricula for more than 500 students in grades 9-12. Proven track record of helping students to achieve a 98% passing rate in both Western Civilization and World History instruction. Actively engaged in every aspect of education, at the district, local, and parent-teacher level.”

Why it works : This candidate's resume summary highlights their vast experience, while illustrating their success in ensuring that their students learn what they need to know to pass the class. They also demonstrate their commitment to the educational process by highlighting their involvement in every area of education.

16.  Accountant resume summary example

“Diligent and detail-oriented CPA with seven years of experience in accounting, process improvement, and problem-solving. Skilled at identifying inefficiencies and using reporting to offer insights that can guide employers to better practices and greater profitability. At XYZ Corp., identified labor usage inefficiency that motivated management to introduce new scheduling that eliminated $300,000 in labor waste.”

Why it works : In addition to highlighting a wide range of valuable skills, this candidate also focused on a quantifiable achievement that illustrates real value. This type of summary would certainly capture a hiring manager's attention and make them want to read more!

17.  Event Manager resume summary example

“Resilient and creative Event Manager with 6 years of corporate experience. Detail-oriented perfectionist with experience in project management, team leadership, and customer relations. Successfully organized and executed more than 40 major business conferences, hosting thousands of guests. Major clients have included three Fortune 500 firms with multi-million-dollar event budgets.

Why it works : As Event Managers go, this one has certainly made the rounds. That summary of achievements highlights their ability to manage even large-scale events, dealing with every aspect of the project. How could a serious hiring manager not want to learn more about this candidate?

18.  IT Manager resume summary example

“Dedicated IT Manager with significant experience in an innovative and growing tech firm. Skilled leader with experience in systems analysis, database architecture, problem-solving, and troubleshooting. Superior client satisfaction rate of more than 99%. Created and implemented IT troubleshooting process that reduced internal client service time by 30%.”

Why it works : This IT professional focuses attention on their key leadership skills , while also mentioning the hard skills that any hiring manager is likely to be looking for. There's also a nice nod to their history of satisfying clients, as well as a notable and measurable achievement.

19.  Product Designer resume summary example

“Innovative Design Engineer with 5 years of experience in the development of products and packages. Skilled in market research, brand development and alignment, and design elements. Led team of seventeen Designers in the creation of industrial products that yielded $20 million in sales in the first month after launch.”

Why it works : This resume summary uses some important keywords, action verbs, and descriptive language to describe the candidate's key skills and experiences. It also cites an impressive product design achievement, along with real numbers that showcase value.

20.  Content Marketer resume summary example

“Creative marketing professional with 7 years' experience as a Content Marketer. Skilled writer who understands how written communication empowers business growth and expansion. Expertise in development of compelling content that drives activities across multiple media channels. Adaptable , detail-oriented, and focused on a brand-building approach to content strategy that drives real results. Developed a cross-platform content strategy that boosted sales conversion rates by 37%.

Why it works : This Content Marketer focuses on their key skills and keen insights into how content impacts business profitability. They even included a measurable result that demonstrates their focus on adding value to their employer's bottom line.

21.  SEO Specialist resume summary example

“Results-focused SEO expert with 6 years of experience in keyword mastery, the promotion of sustainable content, and growing organic website search engine rankings. Proven track record of SEO success, using content development and link outreach to expand website traffic activity from 10,000 daily visitors to more than 2,000,000 per year.”

Why it works : Many hiring managers may not fully understand SEO, but they will understand the need to get more eyes on their digital content. This candidate speaks to that need by focusing on website rankings, content, and overall web traffic - while including a quantifiable achievement that demonstrates their ability to make things happen.

22.  Copywriter resume summary example

“Website Copywriter with 5 years of experience in developing content that creates real conversions. Cross-channel expertise including website content, advertising, newsletters, press releases, email, and podcast / video scripts. Proven track record of increasing social traffic by 36% and driving a 22% boost in landing page conversions.”

Why it works : This candidate's summary is focused not only on the type of things they write, but how those content pieces directly contribute to the company's online presence and sales conversion rate. This illustrates the writer's understanding of how their work aligns with their employer's business needs and goals.

23.  Bank Teller resume summary example

“Empathetic and personable Bank Teller with more than 4 years of experience in client interactions at First Bank. Detail-oriented customer management approach, focused on superior customer experiences and client retention. Strict adherence to bank policy, including safety deposit guidelines, customer account security, and due diligence. Efficiently and effectively processed more than 200 client account interactions each day.”

Why it works : For a Bank Teller, much of the role's value lies in the employee's ability to serve as the face of the branch. This summary is effective because it showcases the Teller's knowledge of bank procedures, while also highlighting their commitment to creating an excellent customer experience.

24.  Software Support Specialist resume summary example

“Problem-solving Software Support Specialist with 8 years of experience in customer-facing user assistance. Provided key problem resolution services for hundreds of customers, with a focus on maximizing their satisfaction with the company to increase loyalty and retention. Experienced in both customer and B2B interactions, with a specialized talent for explaining technical problems in language that is easily understood by the average layperson.”

Why it works : This resume summary focuses not only on the candidate's specialized skills in solving computer issues, but also highlights their ability to simplify their explanations to customers.

25.  Data Scientist resume summary example

“Committed Data Scientist focused on analytical insights that can drive company growth and development. More than eight years of experience providing data-driven analysis to Fortune 500 executives, based on comprehensive statistical models and detailed historical data patterns. Successfully provided insights and recommendations used to increase company profits by 32% over a two-year period.”

Why it works : Data science may not seem like the most exciting field, but hiring managers are always on the hunt for candidates who understand why data matters. This candidate's focus on providing insights that can translate into real value for the employer is something that is likely to earn a hiring manager's interest.

26.  Dental Assistant resume summary example

“Dental Assistant with 5 years of experience with patient preparation, processing, and administrative support. Keen attention to detail and a commitment to dental health and aesthetics. Skilled in dental impressions, hands-on assistance during procedures, x-rays, and record maintenance. Fully committed to developing rapport with patients that creates a welcoming environment and a joyful experience.”

Why it works : This candidate's resume summary not only highlights key Dental Assistant requirements, but also conveys their personal approach to teamwork and patient care.

27.  Architect resume summary example

“Creative Architect experienced in high-end architectural design and development oversight. Ten years of proven success in creating sustainable designs that earn rave reviews and commendations from clients. Skilled in adapting to new challenges and working under pressure to achieve every client's vision. Consistently produces designs and project plans that come in on time and under budget, at 10%-30% less cost than industry competitors.”

Why it works : In this summary, the candidate highlights key skills that employers will want to see, while also emphasizing quantifiable results that demonstrate competitive value for the employer. They also showcase their ability to not only design architectural structures but to do so with a conscious awareness of critical factors like budgetary concerns, deadlines, sustainability and market competition.

Bonus: how to write a resume summary if you have no experience

Of course, it's also important to know how to write a resume summary if you have no experience. Here's a quick resume summary example that you can adapt if you are just entering the job market:

“Recent Marketing graduate, seeking an entry-level position to kickstart a career in the field. Demonstrated strong leadership and teamwork skills gained through involvement in various extracurricular activities, including volunteering at local events and leading group projects. Proficient in Microsoft 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud. Passionate about using marketing strategies to create engaging content and drive brand awareness.”

Why it works: This summary works because it highlights the candidate's relevant hard and soft skills and qualifications, even though they don't have direct career experience. The use of action words such as "demonstrated" and "proficient" shows the candidate's confidence in their abilities, which can be attractive to potential employers, showcasing the candidate's potential for success in an entry-level marketing role.

Key takeaways

A well-written resume summary can make a significant impact on a job application. A good summary should highlight relevant skills and experiences, use clear and concise language, and avoid unnecessary information. Feel free to customize any of the resume summary examples we've provided to help ensure that your resume captures the attention of potential employers.

We know it can be difficult to condense a whole career full of skills and achievements into a paragraph of only a few sentences. If you're unsure about the document you've crafted, why not send it for a free resume review by our team of expert resume writers? 

Recommended reading:

Ask Amanda: How Are a Resume Objective and a Resume Summary Different?

How to Write a Standout Career Summary

Business Acumen: What It Is and How You Can Showcase It On Your Resume

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

Why You Lose When You Lie on Your Resume: Learning From Mina Chang

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Professor of Legal Writing Jill Barton Publishes Guidebook on Writing

By Miami Law Staff Report 07-19-2024

Jill Barton , director of the Legal Communication and Research Skills (LComm) Program and professor of legal writing, will have her most recent book, The Supreme Guide to Writing , published by Oxford University Press in September 2024.

The guidebook is based on the first-ever study of every signed majority opinion, concurrence, and dissent over a five-year period - 10,000 pages of U.S. Supreme Court opinions - to describe best practices in writing today. It also samples some of the Supreme Court justices' most brilliant sentences from the past three years.

Barton is a former appellate judicial clerk and an award-winning journalist. In addition to her recent book, she also has authored  So Ordered: The Writer’s Guide for Aspiring Judges, Judicial Clerks, and Interns  (Wolters Kluwer 2017), and coauthored  The Handbook for the New Legal Writer  (Aspen 2023), a popular law school textbook now in its third edition, that aims to demystify the process of legal writing and inspire beginning and experienced legal writers.

Barton earned her Bachelor of Journalism magna cum laude from the University of Missouri and then worked as a journalist for more than a decade, mostly for the Associated Press and other news organizations in Florida. Barton later received her M.S. in journalism from the University of Kansas, where she taught advanced reporting, and her J.D. summa cum laude from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. In law school, she received the West Publishing Award for Outstanding Scholarly Accomplishment and won the National Association of Women Lawyers student writing competition.

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• As Ozempic’s Popularity Soars, Here’s What to Know About Semaglutide and Weight Loss JAMA Medical News & Perspectives May 16, 2023 This Medical News article discusses chronic weight management with semaglutide, sold under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy. Melissa Suran, PhD, MSJ
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• What to Know About Wegovy’s Rare but Serious Adverse Effects JAMA Medical News & Perspectives December 12, 2023 This Medical News article discusses Wegovy, Ozempic, and other GLP-1 receptor agonists used for weight management and type 2 diabetes. Kate Ruder, MSJ
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• Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist Use and Risk of Gallbladder and Biliary Diseases JAMA Internal Medicine Original Investigation May 1, 2022 This systematic review and meta-analysis of 76 randomized clinical trials examines the effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist use on the risk of gallbladder and biliary diseases. Liyun He, MM; Jialu Wang, MM; Fan Ping, MD; Na Yang, MM; Jingyue Huang, MM; Yuxiu Li, MD; Lingling Xu, MD; Wei Li, MD; Huabing Zhang, MD
• Cholecystitis Associated With the Use of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists JAMA Internal Medicine Research Letter October 1, 2022 This case series identifies cases reported in the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System of acute cholecystitis associated with use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists that did not have gallbladder disease warnings in their labeling. Daniel Woronow, MD; Christine Chamberlain, PharmD; Ali Niak, MD; Mark Avigan, MDCM; Monika Houstoun, PharmD, MPH; Cindy Kortepeter, PharmD

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Sodhi M , Rezaeianzadeh R , Kezouh A , Etminan M. Risk of Gastrointestinal Adverse Events Associated With Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists for Weight Loss. JAMA. 2023;330(18):1795–1797. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.19574

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Risk of Gastrointestinal Adverse Events Associated With Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists for Weight Loss

• 1 Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
• 2 StatExpert Ltd, Laval, Quebec, Canada
• 3 Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
• Medical News & Perspectives As Ozempic’s Popularity Soars, Here’s What to Know About Semaglutide and Weight Loss Melissa Suran, PhD, MSJ JAMA
• Special Communication Patents and Regulatory Exclusivities on GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Rasha Alhiary, PharmD; Aaron S. Kesselheim, MD, JD, MPH; Sarah Gabriele, LLM, MBE; Reed F. Beall, PhD; S. Sean Tu, JD, PhD; William B. Feldman, MD, DPhil, MPH JAMA
• Medical News & Perspectives What to Know About Wegovy’s Rare but Serious Adverse Effects Kate Ruder, MSJ JAMA
• Comment & Response GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Gastrointestinal Adverse Events—Reply Ramin Rezaeianzadeh, BSc; Mohit Sodhi, MSc; Mahyar Etminan, PharmD, MSc JAMA
• Comment & Response GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Gastrointestinal Adverse Events Karine Suissa, PhD; Sara J. Cromer, MD; Elisabetta Patorno, MD, DrPH JAMA
• Research Letter GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Use and Risk of Postoperative Complications Anjali A. Dixit, MD, MPH; Brian T. Bateman, MD, MS; Mary T. Hawn, MD, MPH; Michelle C. Odden, PhD; Eric C. Sun, MD, PhD JAMA
• Original Investigation Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist Use and Risk of Gallbladder and Biliary Diseases Liyun He, MM; Jialu Wang, MM; Fan Ping, MD; Na Yang, MM; Jingyue Huang, MM; Yuxiu Li, MD; Lingling Xu, MD; Wei Li, MD; Huabing Zhang, MD JAMA Internal Medicine
• Research Letter Cholecystitis Associated With the Use of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists Daniel Woronow, MD; Christine Chamberlain, PharmD; Ali Niak, MD; Mark Avigan, MDCM; Monika Houstoun, PharmD, MPH; Cindy Kortepeter, PharmD JAMA Internal Medicine

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists are medications approved for treatment of diabetes that recently have also been used off label for weight loss. 1 Studies have found increased risks of gastrointestinal adverse events (biliary disease, 2 pancreatitis, 3 bowel obstruction, 4 and gastroparesis 5 ) in patients with diabetes. 2 - 5 Because such patients have higher baseline risk for gastrointestinal adverse events, risk in patients taking these drugs for other indications may differ. Randomized trials examining efficacy of GLP-1 agonists for weight loss were not designed to capture these events 2 due to small sample sizes and short follow-up. We examined gastrointestinal adverse events associated with GLP-1 agonists used for weight loss in a clinical setting.

We used a random sample of 16 million patients (2006-2020) from the PharMetrics Plus for Academics database (IQVIA), a large health claims database that captures 93% of all outpatient prescriptions and physician diagnoses in the US through the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) or ICD-10. In our cohort study, we included new users of semaglutide or liraglutide, 2 main GLP-1 agonists, and the active comparator bupropion-naltrexone, a weight loss agent unrelated to GLP-1 agonists. Because semaglutide was marketed for weight loss after the study period (2021), we ensured all GLP-1 agonist and bupropion-naltrexone users had an obesity code in the 90 days prior or up to 30 days after cohort entry, excluding those with a diabetes or antidiabetic drug code.

Patients were observed from first prescription of a study drug to first mutually exclusive incidence (defined as first ICD-9 or ICD-10 code) of biliary disease (including cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, and choledocholithiasis), pancreatitis (including gallstone pancreatitis), bowel obstruction, or gastroparesis (defined as use of a code or a promotility agent). They were followed up to the end of the study period (June 2020) or censored during a switch. Hazard ratios (HRs) from a Cox model were adjusted for age, sex, alcohol use, smoking, hyperlipidemia, abdominal surgery in the previous 30 days, and geographic location, which were identified as common cause variables or risk factors. 6 Two sensitivity analyses were undertaken, one excluding hyperlipidemia (because more semaglutide users had hyperlipidemia) and another including patients without diabetes regardless of having an obesity code. Due to absence of data on body mass index (BMI), the E-value was used to examine how strong unmeasured confounding would need to be to negate observed results, with E-value HRs of at least 2 indicating BMI is unlikely to change study results. Statistical significance was defined as 2-sided 95% CI that did not cross 1. Analyses were performed using SAS version 9.4. Ethics approval was obtained by the University of British Columbia’s clinical research ethics board with a waiver of informed consent.

Our cohort included 4144 liraglutide, 613 semaglutide, and 654 bupropion-naltrexone users. Incidence rates for the 4 outcomes were elevated among GLP-1 agonists compared with bupropion-naltrexone users ( Table 1 ). For example, incidence of biliary disease (per 1000 person-years) was 11.7 for semaglutide, 18.6 for liraglutide, and 12.6 for bupropion-naltrexone and 4.6, 7.9, and 1.0, respectively, for pancreatitis.

Use of GLP-1 agonists compared with bupropion-naltrexone was associated with increased risk of pancreatitis (adjusted HR, 9.09 [95% CI, 1.25-66.00]), bowel obstruction (HR, 4.22 [95% CI, 1.02-17.40]), and gastroparesis (HR, 3.67 [95% CI, 1.15-11.90) but not biliary disease (HR, 1.50 [95% CI, 0.89-2.53]). Exclusion of hyperlipidemia from the analysis did not change the results ( Table 2 ). Inclusion of GLP-1 agonists regardless of history of obesity reduced HRs and narrowed CIs but did not change the significance of the results ( Table 2 ). E-value HRs did not suggest potential confounding by BMI.

This study found that use of GLP-1 agonists for weight loss compared with use of bupropion-naltrexone was associated with increased risk of pancreatitis, gastroparesis, and bowel obstruction but not biliary disease.

Given the wide use of these drugs, these adverse events, although rare, must be considered by patients who are contemplating using the drugs for weight loss because the risk-benefit calculus for this group might differ from that of those who use them for diabetes. Limitations include that although all GLP-1 agonist users had a record for obesity without diabetes, whether GLP-1 agonists were all used for weight loss is uncertain.

Accepted for Publication: September 11, 2023.

Published Online: October 5, 2023. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.19574

Correction: This article was corrected on December 21, 2023, to update the full name of the database used.

Corresponding Author: Mahyar Etminan, PharmD, MSc, Faculty of Medicine, Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and Medicine, The Eye Care Center, University of British Columbia, 2550 Willow St, Room 323, Vancouver, BC V5Z 3N9, Canada ( [email protected] ).

Author Contributions: Dr Etminan had full access to all of the data in the study and takes responsibility for the integrity of the data and the accuracy of the data analysis.

Concept and design: Sodhi, Rezaeianzadeh, Etminan.

Acquisition, analysis, or interpretation of data: All authors.

Drafting of the manuscript: Sodhi, Rezaeianzadeh, Etminan.

Critical review of the manuscript for important intellectual content: All authors.

Statistical analysis: Kezouh.

Obtained funding: Etminan.

Administrative, technical, or material support: Sodhi.

Supervision: Etminan.

Conflict of Interest Disclosures: None reported.

Funding/Support: This study was funded by internal research funds from the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia.

Role of the Funder/Sponsor: The funder had no role in the design and conduct of the study; collection, management, analysis, and interpretation of the data; preparation, review, or approval of the manuscript; and decision to submit the manuscript for publication.

Data Sharing Statement: See Supplement .

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Dear Colleague Letter: Supplemental Funding Requests to Conduct Experimental Research on the NSF-funded Platforms for Advanced Wireless Research (PAWR)

July 19, 2024

Dear Colleagues:

With this Dear Colleague Letter (DCL), the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) wishes to notify the community of its intention to support supplemental funding requests for active research awards to conduct experimental research on the NSF-funded Platforms for Advanced Wireless Research (PAWR) . The supplemental funding request budget may be up to $60,000, with higher amounts requiring additional justification. The requested amount must be less than one-fifth of the original award. Funded supplements will provide support for periods of up to two years but should not exceed the existing award period.

NSF's PAWR program ( https://advancedwireless.org/ ) is currently supporting four advanced wireless research platforms to enable experimental exploration of robust new wireless devices, communication techniques, networks, systems, and services which are revolutionizing the nation's wireless ecosystem, thereby enhancing broadband connectivity, leveraging the emerging Internet of Things (IoT), and sustaining U.S. leadership and economic competitiveness in advanced wireless networks (including 5G/6G networks) and emerging applications and services for decades to come. The PAWR program website lists the PAWR platforms available for experimenter use.

Active NSF-funded wireless researchers may propose, as part of their supplemental funding requests, experiments that utilize the PAWR platforms, as these platforms become 'generally available' for experimenter use (as indicated on the PAWR program website for each PAWR platform). PIs of any relevant existing NSF awards are eligible, including NSF's Communications and Information Foundations ,   Computer Systems Research , Cyber-Physical Systems , Networking Technology and Systems , Secure and Trustworthy Cyberspace , Smart and Connected Communities , National Radio Dynamic Zones , SWIFT , Breaking Low Ideas Lab , and Resilient & Intelligent NextG Systems (RINGS) programs. Supplemental funding awarded pursuant to this DCL may be used by the project team to support the time of the PI, co-PIs, other senior personnel, postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, or undergraduate students to design and conduct an experiment on a PAWR platform. Proposers are encouraged to become familiar with the experimentation process on the platform first prior to applying for supplements. No explicit collaboration letter or coordination is expected from the platform for which the supplement request is being sought.

All supplemental funding requests will be subject to NSF's merit review process, as described in the NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG) . Each supplemental funding request must follow the guidance specified in PAPPG Chapter VI.E.5 and must address the following items as part of the summary of the proposed work and the justification of the need for supplemental funds:

• A summary of the active wireless research (or closely related) award, including original research vision, goals, activities, and accomplishments, spanning Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts.
• A summary of the proposed extension of the active wireless research award to conduct an experiment on a specific PAWR platform. The summary should include a compelling justification for why there is a need for the supplemental funding to conduct experimental wireless research on a PAWR platform and the corresponding potential impact. A description of the specific capabilities of the platform that will be utilized by the proposed work should be included.
• A schematic of the topology for experimentation showing e.g., RAN, edge, compute, and network requirements, as well as details on how the experiment will be set up and executed.
• Specific software stacks/features that will be used to carry out the proposed experiments. What specific hardware/software capabilities of the platforms will be used?  Are these capabilities unique for the platform?
• Information on whether Over-the-Air (OTA) experiments will be conducted as part of the supplemental request.
• An evaluation plan outlining tangible metrics and a timeline to set up the experiments and to assess the outcomes of the proposed experimental research activities. Will the experiments produce any datasets? If so, please comment on the plans to validate and release the datasets.
• A description of expected spectrum use by the project, including frequencies and whether the operation is in accordance with existing service allocations (see https://www.itu.int/pub/R-REG-RR for international allocations and https://www.ntia.gov/publications/redbook-manual for U.S domestic allocations), bandwidth, emission type, power levels, polarization, transmitter locations or operating areas, and antenna patterns if available.

The suggested length for this description is four pages; on the top of the first page, please include the following: "In response to the NSF PAWR DCL" followed by the DCL number. Supplemental funding requests must be prepared and submitted through Research.gov . Supplemental funding requests may be submitted at any time, however the deadline for submission for consideration in a fiscal year (FY) is June 15 of that year. This DCL will remain active until June 15, 2026. Once submitted, the PIs must send an email to [email protected] with the subject header starting with "NSF PAWR DCL: Supplement Submitted for Award #:" followed by the award number of your original award. The body of the email message should include the submitted supplemental funding request number.

PIs interested in submitting supplemental funding requests (or with other questions pertaining to this DCL) are strongly encouraged to contact Networking Technology and Systems program directors at [email protected] prior to submission.

PIs should take note that some radio frequency spectrum use may require coordination with incumbent users. It is recommended that PIs submit all available information, especially for planned usage not in accordance with current international and domestic allocations. PIs needing further information may contact the NSF ESM unit at [email protected] .

Gregory Hager Assistant Director, CISE