If a professor expressed interest in my research...

[Strangefox]

Let's say I was in contact with a professor and told him/her about my research project. And he/she replied: "Your project is cool". Or even: "I encourage you to apply to this program". Needless to say I want to mention that in my SOP

But should I inform the professor that I want to do it? On the one hand, such action seems superfluous. On the other hand, may be it's more polite to do it like that? May be there are some rules I am not aware of?..

What is your opinion?

Edited August 28, 2010 by Strangefox

[tskinner]

Maybe you could put in something like, "having spoken with so-and-so, I am interested his/her research on blah-blah-buzzword and would look forward to working with him/her"

...and then the adcomm could ask the professor if they care.

Then again, I never contacted professors, so I'm just guessing here.

[rising_star]

There's no need to tell the professor that you're going to include it in your SOP. Just say something like "After speaking with Dr. X, I feel that my research will be a great fit in your department."