Contacting a PI about possible rotation?

[mrich]

I have currently been accepted into 3 neuroscience PhD programs, one of which has a number of labs I would be interested in doing a research rotation. I was wondering what was the best way to write an email to the PI to find out if/when they are accepting students for rotations and what types of projects I might be able to do during my rotation. I also want to get a feel for what the environment in the lab is..ie is there a large emphasis on student research/publications or do postdocs get a lot of publications.

Just looking for advice on how to phrase this type of email

[ltodd]

Might be easier to just see if you can call them. You could just send a short email saying you've been accepted into the program and are having a hard time deciding between institutions. Then you can tell them you had some questions about rotation opportunities in their laboratory and ask if they would be available for a phone call.

This is what I did and I think it works better. To satisfy your questions it would take a long email, where they could probably clear everything up in 10min over the phone.

Since you are accepted they should be pretty accommodating, if not maybe its best you didn't rotate with them anyway.