Research Question and how to respond properly to an e-mail

[AMSRebel]

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Hi all!

A few days ago, I attended the last few minutes of a research symposium at my University. A professor was presenting about some research concerning immunology, which caught my attention. Unfortunately, I had walked in a bit late so I lacked the context to properly understand what she was saying. Afterwards, I started reading through some of her recent publications on the university website and they really interested me. I shot her an e-mail asking if she was taking any undergraduate students, and she responded back asking for a resume and a page outlining my research interests. She also mentioned the page could also include notes from research papers that I have read.

I’m a bit confused as to what exactly she means by a page outlining my research interests. How would you guys go about writing this? I did take some notes as I read her most recent publication, but I didn't understand a bit of the terminology, so this worries me. I definitely got the gist of it, but what exactly do professors expect in terms of understanding their publications.

Best,

AMSRebel

 

[cke11]

She wants to know literally what she's asking lol be professional about it. I would create a header (name, contact info etc.), then just write maybe a paragraph or two on what interests you. This is basically a cover letter. Ideally, add all the things that interested you within her own lab that caught your attention. Definitely discuss the notes you took in that "cover letter". They want people in their labs that are excited about doing research with them.