Letters of recommendation are a key component of job and academic applications, which provide an opportunity for recommenders to reflect on the achievements and promise of applicants which may not be evident solely from their CV, transcript or publication record. It is very important, therefore, that individuals requesting letters have had sufficient interaction with the recommender as to allow an honest assessment. I have put together the following guidelines for whom I might prepare the most comprehensive letters. Others not meeting these guidelines are of course welcome to request a recommendation, but these might be more scant in detail, or reflect only upon their academic achievements.

Undergraduate students in classes

Undergraduate students who have taken my classes may request letters which reflect on academic performance in class. The most comprehensive letters can be provided for students that attend class regularly, and who engage with me during the class through discussion of the material, the various group or individual projects, or discuss adjacent peer-reviewed literature to the material presented.

Undergraduate advisees

The most comprehensive letters will be provided to students with whom I have met at least once or twice per semester for at least a year in formal advising meetings, or with whom I have had the opportunity to engage in class or in research settings.

Undergraduate researchers

The most comprehensive letters will be provided for students who have performed research for 1 or more semester (or a summer) in my lab. Generally speaking it is not possible to provide a comprehensive letter for students who have very recently joined the lab (i.e. within a semester).

Graduate students

Because graduate research generally involves extensive mentorship over a number of years, students who are both part of the lab or on whose committees I serve can request comprehensive letters.

Partners in other spaces and other recommendations

I am passionate about work in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and can provide comprehensive letters for anyone I have worked with in this space (i.e. on committees or initiatives). Equally, I can provide comprehensive letters where I have had the opportunity to work with individuals routinely in other spaces.

To request a letter

Please contact me by email, and include in your request the program for which I would be writing and your current CV or academic summary.