I normally only accept students who will be connected with a specific, funded research project. Our department has very few teaching assistantships. Nearly all of our graduate students are funded entirely through externally-funded research grants (yet, see "fellowship opportunities" below).

If you'd like to contact me to express general interest in graduate research in my lab, please do the following:

1. Please send me an email or "snail mail" letter describing your academic and professional background, explaining why you are interested in Michigan State University, and why you are particularly interested in working in my lab. Please outline your learning and research  objectives as a graduate student, as well as your professional goals and aspirations.
2. Submit an up-to-date resume.
3. Submit a copy (unofficial is fine) of your most recent transcript or summarize your undergraduate (and graduate if you already have a graduate degree ) courses along with your grades.
4. Submit your GRE scores if you have taken them.
    

I will in turn send you an email note acknowledging receipt of your package, and will include it with other applications I receive, or I may contact you about an immediate opportunity. If you haven't received an acknowledgement, send me an email - it may mean the package never arrived.

Fellowship opportunities

There are opportunities at Michigan State University for fellowship support, particularly for prospective PhD students who have a truly excellent academic record. My lab has been successful in obtaining these fellowships. In this case the requirement for me to generate external funding to support you is greatly reduced. If, upon reviewing your package, I believe you are a strong candidate for a fellowship, I will contact you immediately. The normal cycle of fellowships calls for submission of applications in early January, although some off-season opportunities occasionally exist. See the Graduate School for additional information.

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