Independently reaching out to professors is a great way to find an internship. Go through the following links and select 10 professors whose research interest you. You will then email these professors requesting an internship.
Then, send an email to all of your professors on your list. Be professional, but don't be excessively wordy or flowery. It is also good to attach a resume that shows the science classes you have taken, test scores (if you're happy with them), and any STEM/extracurricular activities.
Below is a sample email format you can use as a guideline:
Dear Dr. (Professor Name),
My name is (name), and I am a (grade level) at Sandra Day O'Connor High School in Phoenix. I am looking for an opportunity to work in your lab during this school year.
I am very interested in (professor's field of research). Your research in (professor's specific research interests) is very intriguing to me. I would be thrilled to work on a research project in these topic areas as an intern in your lab group.
I have taken (X Y Z) science courses, and I have a strong interest in (your subject of interest). I have also attached my resume for your reference.
I would love to meet with you to learn more about your current research, and hopefully to explore opportunities to work under your or your graduate students' guidance. Thank you, and I look forward to hearing back from you!
Regards,
(Name)
- biodesign.asu.edu/research/faculty (ASU Biodesign Institute - Biotechnology Research)
- semte.engineering.asu.edu/faculty/# (ASU SEMTE - Engineering Research)
- sms.asu.edu/about/people/faculty (ASU School of Molecular Sciences - Chemistry and Biochemistry Research)
- sols.asu.edu/about/faculty-groups (ASU School of Life Sciences -Medical Research)
Then, send an email to all of your professors on your list. Be professional, but don't be excessively wordy or flowery. It is also good to attach a resume that shows the science classes you have taken, test scores (if you're happy with them), and any STEM/extracurricular activities.
Below is a sample email format you can use as a guideline:
Dear Dr. (Professor Name),
My name is (name), and I am a (grade level) at Sandra Day O'Connor High School in Phoenix. I am looking for an opportunity to work in your lab during this school year.
I am very interested in (professor's field of research). Your research in (professor's specific research interests) is very intriguing to me. I would be thrilled to work on a research project in these topic areas as an intern in your lab group.
I have taken (X Y Z) science courses, and I have a strong interest in (your subject of interest). I have also attached my resume for your reference.
I would love to meet with you to learn more about your current research, and hopefully to explore opportunities to work under your or your graduate students' guidance. Thank you, and I look forward to hearing back from you!
Regards,
(Name)