This challenging assignment is designed so that you will actively imagine yourself joining a research team at UCSB or elsewhere (examples: working in a research lab; working as a research assistant for a professor, grad student, or post-doc; joining a team of several researchers; etc.).
Do this assignment as if you are actually going to submit your letter.
Start by reviewing UCSB undergraduate research programs:
1.The FRAP site might meet all of your needs. Check out their directory.
http://www.duels.ucsb.edu/urca/frap
2.Here is a list of funded undergraduate research programs. Don’t worry if you qualify or not for them. Just assume you do.
3.Perhaps you will be inspired by the BLOG posts written by Gauchos before you.
http://ucsbundergradresearch.wordpress.com/
4.Uninspired by UCSB? That’s OK, You may also review non-UCSB research opportunities. http://www.duels.ucsb.edu/sites/default/files/forms/urca/OppAlert12-13.pdf
5.Many faculty have their own webpage with a biography or profile, you can craft this assignment by reading about their work (you don’t have to choose an established research program.)
Write your letter:
Craft a 1-2 page introductory letter to ANY professor and/or researcher.
The letter needs to cover these basic elements:
1.Introduce yourself (I am first year student…)
2.Mention how you learned about the professor/researcher and their research
3.Describe why the research is interesting to you
4.Describe why you would be a good participant on their research team (Examples: I am a clear writer; I am proficient with Excel; I can work non-conventional hours and watch over the experiments…)
5.Close by asking for a next step (Examples: I’d like to stop by your office hours; Could you send me the application you use when considering undergraduates for your research team?)
These elements are not intended as an outline of your letter – unless specifically stated, distribute them throughout your letter as appropriate.
Grading criteria:
1.The proposal is written in a highly appropriate and formal manner that would please a professor.(25 points)
2.The proposal makes an excellent and successful effort to convey an understanding of the research project.(25 points)
3.There is an eloquent and nearly impossible to deny request to be hired. The objective is clearly stated.(25 points)
4.Excellent writing quality.(25 points)