Letter of Recommendation

Are you applying for a job, a scholarship, a graduate program or something else that requires a letter of recommendation and you like to ask me for a letter?

First, I want to emphasize that I take writing letters of recommendation very seriously. I like to write a letter that is beneficial for your case, i.e., comment on your outstanding research capabilities. This means that I might refuse your request if I think I am not able to write a strong letter for you.

Secondly, writing a letter takes time. So please make sure you ask me well in advance before you need the letter. This typically means a few weeks or more. I will not be able to write a letter if you ask me only a few days before the deadline.

Third, I will only write letters for collaborators. This means, for example, that I will only write letters for students who I worked with on a project outside of the classroom.

How to request a letter

Follow the following steps if you like me to write a letter of recommendation. Please read carefully what you need to do for each case.

You have worked with me on a research project.

In this case, we were closely collaborating on a project. This could mean you were my graduate student, worked on a BSc or MSc thesis or guided research with me, or you were doing some summer research internship with me.

I'd be happy to write you a letter as you were working with me on a project. I will be able to comment on your contributions to the project, your technical skills, what challenges you were facing and how you solved them. In short, this should result in a strong letter.

Please reach out to me about one month in advance.

You have NOT worked with me on a research project.

I'm sorry, I won't be able to provide you with a letter of recommendation, even if you have taken one of my classes.