Cold E-mailing Me
In general, I welcome e-mails from anyone who would like to discuss topics related to my research interests, teaching work, and general professional work. Feel free to drop me a line at michaelekstrand@boisestate.edu. Like most professors, however, I get a lot of e-mail and cannot reply to all of it.
Please see my Frequently Asked Questions for summary information, particularly about opportunities with my research group.
Use a clear, useful subject line such as ‘Prospective Boise State M.S. Student’ or ‘Interested in Boise State Ph.D with PIReT’. If you have a more specific inquiry or interest, mention it in 2-3 words, e.g. ‘Prospective student interested in decision making and recommender systems’.
If you are a current Boise State student, have recently been admitted, or have submitted an application, please say so. The more context I have, the easier it is to provide good answers to your questions.
Personalize your e-mail, and not just the greeting.
I would like to know why you are contacting me in particular.
Please make sure there is some connection between what you are wanting to do and my work. If you're asking about doing a materials science or ecology postdoc with my research group, do not expect a reply.