<p>So I visited Stanford last month with the director of the youth group I’ve been involved with since middle school. While at the airport on the way home, I met the head of the neurological department of my local university (he’s an acquaintance of my youth group director). I asked him for a research internship, and he gave me his e-mail address so that I could contact him about it.</p>
<p>I finally got a chance to e-mail him, but I’m not sure if my e-mail sounds okay. Any advice? Thanks in advance!</p>
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<p>Hello Dr. <strong>insert name here</strong>__,</p>
<p>My name is ____<strong><em>, and we met at the San Francisco Airport back in May. At that time, I was with _</em></strong><em>, and I was looking for a possible opportunity to volunteer for research at _</em><em>insert university name here</em><em>. If you remember, you gave me your email address so that I could contact you about it. Although I am aware of how busy you must be, I would really appreciate it if you could help me out. I’m not sure if this information would be helpful to you, but I am now a senior at </em><em>insert high school name here</em> (age 16), and I am a responsible, 4.0 student. I’ve also taken several science courses (such as Anatomy & Physiology, AP Biology, Chemistry, Physics, etc.) and have some experience with lab work. Thank you!</p>
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<p>I feel especially awkward with the whole “responsible 4.0 student” part. I don’t want to sound arrogant, but I also would like him to think that I am capable of handling the work in a professional manner.</p>
<p>Nice work. I’ve made several changes in brackets just to polish it a little.</p>
<p>Email Subject: Introduction - (Your name)</p>
<p>[Dear] Dr. <strong>insert name here</strong>__,</p>
<p>My name is ____<em>, and [I am a current student at (insert name of school here).] We met at the San Francisco Airport back in May, and [I hope that you still remember me.] [I recall that you gave me your email address, and suggested it would be a good idea to contact you regarding] a possible opportunity to volunteer for research at </em><em>insert university name here</em>. I [am still interested in a possible research opportunity, and I thought I would quickly touch base with you]. </p>
<p>[I know you are very busy, but I was wondering if there might be any way I can help out with research. If you are able to find time, I would also love to meet you in person for a 15 minute informational interview about research opportunities and the college applications process, whenever it is most convenient for you.] I am now a senior at <strong><em>insert high school name here</em></strong>_, and I am a responsible, high achieving student. I’ve also taken several science courses (such as Anatomy & Physiology, AP Biology, Chemistry, Physics, etc.) and have some experience with lab work. </p>
<p>Thank you [so much for your time and consideration, and I hope to hear from you soon.]</p>
<p>[Sincerely,
(insert your name here)]</p>
<p>I used this generic template to network with a Senator’s Chief of Staff, and for every networking experience I’ve had afterwards. From my experience, it works really well. Let me know how things go.</p>
<p>Thank you very much!</p>