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Dear Prospective Student,
I look forward to working with happy, motivated, and persistent individuals who strive to make a difference in ecology. During my own student and postdoctoral experiences I sought to obtain the best mentorship possible and develop a diversity of skills to ensure I would have multiple job options post-graduation. I worked with different sectors of government, environmental NGOs, industry, renewable resource boards, and academia to develop strong collaborations, connections, and skills - aspects I hope to pass on to my graduate students. Despite not having a fantastic GPA from my undergraduate courses (I averaged ~80% in my final two years), privilege, hard work, being able to relate to other people from diverse backgrounds, luck, and persistence made my research career possible.
I would be interested in learning what aspects of research, and life generally, motivate you to make a difference. What is an experience where you needed determination to get something done? What are some of your favourite observations, and what questions would you like to ask of those observations? What career tracks are you considering pursuing post graduation, and what skills during your graduate degree would help to get you there? Importantly, what aspects of my current or past work do you think would help you in these pursuits?
If you have not yet considered funding, please do. Graduate student research is an investment on both our parts in terms of time and money. If you do not provide your own funding for at least part of your degree (NSERC MSc, NSERC PhD, MITACS, or others) then I must provide your stipend from my research money - limiting the ability to extend research programs. Please indicate what funding avenues you have investigated, and where you might be in the application process. What can you expect from me in return? An equitable approach to mentorship, where all individuals receive support, regular meetings, publishing opportunities, and the ability to attend at least once conference annually.
Finally, please highlight aspects that might make you stand out - attaching your CV will help here. Indicate how you contribute to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion aspects of my group, including leaves you may have experienced. I consider graduate studies an important career stage and in an effort of mutual respect and professional development I will not respond to inquiries unless they are conducted in a professional manner. You may use this letter as an example of how to address a future colleague.
Thank you for your interest in our research.
Sincerely,
Frances
I look forward to working with happy, motivated, and persistent individuals who strive to make a difference in ecology. During my own student and postdoctoral experiences I sought to obtain the best mentorship possible and develop a diversity of skills to ensure I would have multiple job options post-graduation. I worked with different sectors of government, environmental NGOs, industry, renewable resource boards, and academia to develop strong collaborations, connections, and skills - aspects I hope to pass on to my graduate students. Despite not having a fantastic GPA from my undergraduate courses (I averaged ~80% in my final two years), privilege, hard work, being able to relate to other people from diverse backgrounds, luck, and persistence made my research career possible.
I would be interested in learning what aspects of research, and life generally, motivate you to make a difference. What is an experience where you needed determination to get something done? What are some of your favourite observations, and what questions would you like to ask of those observations? What career tracks are you considering pursuing post graduation, and what skills during your graduate degree would help to get you there? Importantly, what aspects of my current or past work do you think would help you in these pursuits?
If you have not yet considered funding, please do. Graduate student research is an investment on both our parts in terms of time and money. If you do not provide your own funding for at least part of your degree (NSERC MSc, NSERC PhD, MITACS, or others) then I must provide your stipend from my research money - limiting the ability to extend research programs. Please indicate what funding avenues you have investigated, and where you might be in the application process. What can you expect from me in return? An equitable approach to mentorship, where all individuals receive support, regular meetings, publishing opportunities, and the ability to attend at least once conference annually.
Finally, please highlight aspects that might make you stand out - attaching your CV will help here. Indicate how you contribute to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion aspects of my group, including leaves you may have experienced. I consider graduate studies an important career stage and in an effort of mutual respect and professional development I will not respond to inquiries unless they are conducted in a professional manner. You may use this letter as an example of how to address a future colleague.
Thank you for your interest in our research.
Sincerely,
Frances
