If you and I have no professional interests in common, please do not e-mail me!! I will not give funding to someone who sends an e-mail similar to the one below:
Dear Dr Chris,
I am < INSERT NAME > and I joined UIOWA for MS in Actuarial Science in < INSERT YEAR >. My current GPA is 3.8/4.0. I have a score of B on the SPEAK TEST and passed the test in December < INSERT YEAR >.
Prior to joining UIOWA, I have done MSc in Mathematics from I.I.T, Delhi, India and was teaching Probability, Statistics, Operations Research and Numerical Analysis to Mathematics Bachelors students in Kamala Nehru College, Delhi University, India for around one year. I have also passed Exam P and Exam FM conducted by Society of Actuaries last May and Nov respectively. I am interested in your research interests and would appreciate an opportunity to talk to you about your research projects and possibility of a Research/Teaching Assistantship/part time job. I am attaching my details for your reference.
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Regards,
< INSERT NAME >
If you're not in a field that's at least relevant to computer graphics, there's absolutely no chance you'll get funding from me. Really. I'm serious. And I'll probably pass your e-mail around to friends and relatives who need a good laugh.