Dear Dr. __________________________________:
I am a student researcher in the Investigative Research Design and Innovation course at Oak Park and River Forest (IL) High School. I have read and was intrigued by your article on _______________. I particularly liked _______________. My own research is ____________________.
I am wondering if you have the time to be my mentor for my research. Being my mentor would entail occasional email communication between us, with you giving me advice about my experiment.
I realize that I am asking a huge favor of you, and that you may not have the time for this. In this event, is there anyone else at your practice that may be interested in becoming my mentor?
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
____________________