Find A Mentor

In searching for a potential mentor, we recommend that you look in the departmental webpages (look under Faculty or People), and take the time to read up on faculty research interests. Students interested in biological sciences are encouraged to look not only at the departments listed in College of Arts and Sciences, for example, but at departments in the School of Medicine, the School of Dental Medicine, and the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences. 

Attending on campus events (such as the URECA poster symposium in the spring) may help provide ideas of potential mentors to contact or research areas to explore.

Browse SBU Colleges, Departments, and Research Centers

• The Laufer Center for Physical and Quantitative Biology
• Institute for Advanced Computational Science (IACS) 
• School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SOMAS) 
• Program in Public Health
• School of Health Professions
• SBU Medicine
• SBU School of Dental Medicine
• Search for your Major or Minor department faculty in CAS and CEAS
  • EX: SBU Chemistry Faculty
• For faculty mentors in the Biology Program 
• For faculty mentors in Psychology 

Writing to Faculty About Research Opportunities 

The purpose of this message is to get started with an initial meeting where you can ask more in depth questions about the lab environment and projects. These messages should be personalized to each faculty you reach out to. If there are connections (you have previously taken their course, you listened to a talk they gave, etc.) you can include that. They are meant to be concise, and you can follow up with more details (resume, etc) if prompted (unless explicitly mentioned to include).

By the end of reading this sentences, there should be an understanding of why you could be the right person to take on. This does not mean that you need experience before reaching out. Follow up if needed. 

Sample Message Outline

The subject line: It should be clear from your subject the purpose of the message. 

Subject: Lab Opening Inquiry or Opportunities for Undergraduate Research in Your Lab

The address: Keep it formal and professional using their name. 

Dear Dr./Professor [their name]

The message: This is the concise introduction to you and why you are motivated to work on this area of research. Keep it short and clear when asking to discuss opportunities.  

My name is [Your Name] and I am a [Year: first year, second year, junior, rising senior, etc] studying [major]. In looking for research on campus on [topic] I discoverd your research on [subject]. I was interested in reaching out because [reason(s) you find the lab/research exciting related to your own interests or strengths, 1-2 sentence max].

Would you be open to meeting to discuss the ongoing work in your lab and the possibility for me to get involved in your research? 

Preparing to Meet with Faculty

Before you meet with a potential faculty mentor, spend some time preparing and gaining knowledge about the research group/laboratory you wish to join. It is important to be on time, and to be honest about your time commitments (for ex., how many hours/week can you commit to the lab?). It is up to you and your faculty mentor to discuss project details and expectations.

Research Openings