Overview & Critical Timeline
This section provides a summary of the current academic situation and highlights key dates and implications critical for navigating this transition. Understanding these elements is paramount for making informed decisions and taking timely actions. The primary goal is to secure an alternative academic pathway at UCLA before student status is affected by the pending academic disqualification appeal.
Current Situation (as of May 27, 2025)
- A recommendation for academic disqualification from NSIDP is pending (issued April 28, 2025).
- An appeal against this recommendation has been submitted and is under review by the interdepartmental committee and then the Division of Graduate Education (DGE).
- The Spring 2025 quarter ends on June 13, 2025.
- Loss of "active student status" after this date (if disqualification is finalized) will nullify eligibility for a standard Major/Classification Change petition.
- The Graduate Division (Jaine Park) has indicated openness to "reconvene" if a new department is willing to support a transfer.
Critical Timeline & Key Milestones
This timeline underscores the urgency of securing a commitment from a new program. The goal is to have a viable transfer option before any final adverse decision from the DGE might be implemented, or before active student status lapses.
My Profile: Strengths & Capabilities
This section outlines Cooper Beaman's key academic and research strengths. These attributes form a compelling narrative of capability and potential, crucial for all communications with prospective programs and mentors. The aim is to present a well-rounded, skilled, and resilient candidate ready to contribute significantly to a new research environment.
Academic Excellence
- Successfully completed NSIDP Written Qualifying Exams (WQEs).
- Achieved High Pass in Molecular and Cellular WQE sections.
- Achieved Pass in Systems WQE section.
- Faculty feedback: "Extremely well written and engaging paper" (Molecular), "Excellent!" (Cellular).
- Demonstrates strong grasp of foundational neuroscience, analytical, and writing skills.
Research Accomplishments
- Over 2 years full-time Research Associate/Lab Manager at UCSF (Dr. Yin Shen's lab).
- Led two functional genomics projects, significantly contributed to a third.
- Co-authorship on Nature (2025) publication.
- Co-authorship on preprint manuscript under review at Nature (2023).
- Proven ability to contribute to high-impact, peer-reviewed research.
Key Research Skills
Wet-Lab Proficiency:
- Advanced CRISPR methodologies (GECKO, CRISPRi, Prime Editing).
- Human iPSC culture & neuronal differentiation.
- Genomic assays (ATAC-seq, RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, Hi-C).
- Viral vector production.
- Luciferase reporter assays, qPCR.
Computational Skills (Developing):
- R and Python for data analysis.
- High-Performance Computing (HPC) experience (Hoffman2).
- Analysis of large cohort data (GWAS, DNA methylation).
- Bioinformatics pipelines (MAGECK-VISPR).
- Data visualization (ggplot2, seaborn).
Resilience & Proactivity
- Submitted detailed appeal against disqualification recommendation.
- Proactively developed program outreach trackers.
- Actively pursuing leads with suitable UCLA programs.
- Demonstrates commitment to finding a constructive resolution.
- Experience drafting NSF GRFP.
- Strong academic writing experience (5+ years, 5 publications, GWC consultant).
These strengths should be consistently highlighted in all outreach communications to position Cooper as a valuable and capable candidate for any prospective program or lab.
The Challenge: Context for Transition
This section provides a brief, diplomatic overview of the circumstances prompting the exploration of alternative graduate pathways. While the appeal document details significant mitigating factors (including ADHD and systemic NSIDP challenges), initial outreach communications should frame this as a proactive search for a better academic and research fit. The goal here is to provide just enough context for understanding the need for a transition without oversharing potentially sensitive details in early interactions.
Reason for Exploring New Pathways
Despite successful completion of five research rotations and leveraging extensive functional genomics skills, a primary advisor commitment within the Neuroscience Interdepartmental Program (NSIDP) was not secured. This led to the NSIDP initiating its academic dismissal review process.
The current exploration of alternative graduate programs at UCLA is a proactive step driven by:
- An evolving alignment of specific research interests and long-term career objectives.
- A search for a mentorship environment that is optimally synergistic with Cooper's specific expertise, research goals, and learning style.
- The aim is to find a program where his established skills in functional genomics and developing computational expertise can be most effectively applied and further cultivated.
Strategic Communication Note: In initial emails to potential new programs/PIs, the reason for transfer should be framed positively, focusing on seeking a "better fit" and "more direct leverage" of background and career objectives. More detailed discussion of mitigating circumstances (e.g., ADHD impact, NSIDP procedural issues) is reserved for later stages, such as direct meetings, where context can be provided more fully and constructively.
This framing ensures that the initial perception is of a capable student proactively seeking an environment where he can thrive, rather than focusing on past difficulties. The full appeal document provides the comprehensive background for the DGE's consideration.
Faculty Outreach Hub
This hub is designed to manage and track outreach efforts to individual faculty members. Keep this tracker updated with contact dates, responses, and next steps.
Faculty Outreach Tracker
This table lists potential faculty contacts. Use the filters to narrow down the list.
| Tier/Status | Faculty | Contacted? (Date) | Notes | Feedback/Outcome | Personal | Methods/Techniques | Topics/Questions |
|---|
This tracker is populated based on the provided UCLA_Faculty_Outreach_Matrix. Maintain updates manually as outreach progresses.
Program Outreach Hub
This central hub is designed to manage and track all outreach efforts to PhD and MS programs. It includes an interactive Program Outreach Tracker and templates for contacting target programs. Effective and organized outreach is critical given the time-sensitive nature of this situation.
Program Outreach Master List
This table lists potential PhD and MS programs at UCLA. Use the filters to narrow down the list. Keep this tracker updated with contact dates, responses, and next steps.
| Program Name | Degree | Dept/IDP | Tier | Key Contact | Direct Email | Notes |
|---|
Status fields like "Date of Last Contact", "Response Received?", and "Outcome/Next Steps" should be maintained manually by Cooper based on his interactions.
Strategic Email to Dr. Yin Shen
This email is drafted for immediate dispatch to Dr. Shen. Use the button to copy the original text.
Subject: Congratulations on Publications & Urgent Request for Guidance: UCLA PhD Transition – Cooper Beaman
Dear Dr. Shen, I hope this email finds you well. Firstly, heartfelt congratulations on our Nature paper on human accelerated regions being published earlier this year (Cui et al., 2025)! It was incredibly rewarding to have contributed to that impactful work under your mentorship. I am also very enthusiastic about the excellent prospects for our co-authored preprint on the functional characterization of regulatory elements (Yang et al., 2023), which I understand is currently under review at Nature. My experiences in your lab, particularly on these projects, were foundational to my development as a scientist. I am writing to you now, as my most influential research mentor and a distinguished UCLA Human Genetics alumna, regarding a critical and time-sensitive situation in my second year of the Neuroscience PhD program (NSIDP) here at UCLA. Despite completing five laboratory rotations and leveraging the functional genomics skills I honed in your lab (including CRISPR screens, iPSC differentiation, and diverse genomic assays), I have unfortunately been unable to secure a primary advisor commitment within NSIDP. Consequently, the program has initiated its academic dismissal review process, making the immediate identification of a new research home and advisor paramount to my ability to continue my PhD training at UCLA. My core research interests remain focused on cis-regulatory functional genomics, gene regulation in neurodevelopment, and the genetic underpinnings of neuropsychiatric disorders—areas deeply inspired by my work with you. I am also committed to further developing my computational skills in analyzing large-scale genomic datasets. Given this urgency, and with the awareness of NSIDP leadership and the Graduate Division, I am proactively exploring all viable pathways to continue my studies at UCLA. This includes a potential Doctoral-to-Doctoral program change, ideally into a program such as Human Genetics, Computational Medicine, or MCDB, contingent on finding a supportive PI. Your guidance and connections at UCLA could be invaluable at this juncture. Based on extensive research into junior faculty whose work strongly aligns with my skills (especially my >2 years of RA experience in functional genomics) and interests, a few individuals have emerged as particularly promising potential advisors: 1. Dr. Valerie Arboleda (Assistant Professor, Human Genetics / Pathology & Laboratory Medicine): Her lab's focus on functional genomics, epigenetics, and CRISPR/iPSC models in developmental disorders aligns exceptionally well with my experience in your lab. Her position within Human Genetics is also a direct connection. 2. Dr. Jason Ernst (Associate Professor, Biological Chemistry / Computer Science / Computational Medicine): His expertise in computational epigenomics and gene regulation is highly synergistic with my experimental background and strong interest in computational methods. 3. Dr. Aparna Bhaduri (Assistant Professor, Biological Chemistry): Her research on neurodevelopment using organoids and single-cell genomics is highly relevant to my interests and skills. Would you possibly be willing to offer your assistance in one or both of the following ways? - Could you share any insights you might have regarding Dr. Arboleda, Dr. Ernst, or Dr. Bhaduri (or another junior faculty member), especially concerning their lab environment or potential openness to taking on a student with my profile needing immediate placement? - Most critically, if you know her and feel comfortable doing so, would you consider facilitating a direct email introduction to Dr. Valerie Arboleda? Given the strong research alignment, her junior status, and the Human Genetics connection, I believe a direct introduction from you could be pivotal in initiating a time-sensitive conversation about a rotation or joining her lab, potentially with GSR support. I understand this is a significant request during what I know is a busy time. My updated CV is attached for your convenience, providing further detail on my background and publications. Any support or advice you could offer would be profoundly appreciated as I navigate this challenging period. Thank you again for your foundational mentorship and for considering this urgent request. Warmest regards, Cooper Beaman PhD Student, Neuroscience Interdepartmental Program University of California, Los Angeles UID: 105692562 cobeaman@g.ucla.edu
Program Inquiry Email Templates
Use these templates for contacting Program Chairs/Directors. Personalize bracketed sections. Use the button to copy the text.
Template: PhD Program Inquiry
Subject: Inquiry: PhD Program Major/Classification Change – Cooper Beaman (Current UCLA PhD Student, UID: 105692562) Dear Professor [Target Program Chair/Director Last Name], My name is Cooper Beaman, and I am a currently enrolled second-year PhD student in UCLA's Neuroscience Interdepartmental Program (NSIDP), UID: 105692562. I am writing to respectfully inquire about the possibility of pursuing a Major/Classification Change into the PhD Program in [Target PhD Program Name]. Due to an evolving alignment of my research interests and mentorship needs, I am proactively exploring alternative graduate pathways at UCLA that more directly leverage my extensive background in functional genomics and my career objectives in [mention specific area, e.g., computational neuropsychiatric genetics]. My primary goal is to continue and complete my doctoral training at UCLA in a program that offers an optimal research and mentorship fit. I have a strong academic record, having successfully completed my written qualifying exams in NSIDP, achieving High Pass results in both Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience. My research background includes over two years of full-time functional genomics research in Dr. Yin Shen's lab at UCSF, which has resulted in co-authorship on a recent Nature publication (Cui et al., 2025) and a manuscript currently under review at Nature (Yang et al., 2023). I possess robust wet-lab skills in areas including CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing (GECKO, CRISPRi, Prime Editing), iPSC culture and neuronal differentiation, and diverse genomic assays (e.g., ATAC-seq, RNA-seq). I am also actively developing my computational expertise in R and Python for the analysis of large-scale genomic and epigenomic data. I am particularly drawn to the PhD Program in [Target PhD Program Name] because of [mention 1-2 specific, genuine reasons – e.g., its renowned strength in X, the pioneering research of Professor Y in an area aligned with your interests, the specific training opportunities in Z that match your goals]. My CV, attached for your review, provides further detail on my experience, skills, and publications. Given that the current academic quarter concludes on June 13th, I would be very grateful for the opportunity to speak with you, or the appropriate faculty member, at your earliest convenience to discuss the feasibility of such a transition and the internal application process for potential matriculation in the upcoming academic year. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Cooper Beaman PhD Student, NSIDP
Template: MS Program Inquiry
Subject: Inquiry: MS Program Major/Classification Change – Cooper Beaman (Current UCLA PhD Student, UID: 105692562) Dear [Mr./Ms./Dr. Last Name or "Admissions Committee" or "Graduate Advisor"], My name is Cooper Beaman, and I am a currently enrolled second-year PhD student in UCLA's Neuroscience Interdepartmental Program (NSIDP), UID: 105692562. I am writing to respectfully inquire about the possibility of pursuing a Major/Classification Change to the Master of Science program in [Target MS Program Name]. Due to an evolving alignment of my research interests and career objectives, I am proactively exploring alternative graduate pathways at UCLA. My goal is to transition into a program that will allow me to strategically build upon my existing research foundation while acquiring specialized skills in [mention area, e.g., advanced computational analysis of biomedical data or genetic counseling principles]. I have a strong academic record, having successfully completed my written qualifying exams in NSIDP with High Pass results in Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience. My research background includes over two years of full-time functional genomics research at UCSF in Dr. Yin Shen's lab, leading to co-authorship on a recent Nature publication and a manuscript currently under review. I possess robust wet-lab skills (e.g., CRISPR, iPSC culture) and am developing my computational expertise (e.g., R/Python for genomic data analysis). The MS Program in [Target MS Program Name] particularly interests me because [mention 1-2 specific, genuine reasons – e.g., its curriculum focus on X, the opportunity to develop practical skills in Y, its alignment with your goal to apply Z methods to biomedical challenges]. My CV, attached for your review, provides further detail on my experience and qualifications. [If applicable and known: I understand this program is self-supporting and am prepared to meet the financial requirements.] Given that the current academic quarter concludes on June 13th, I would be very grateful for the opportunity to speak with you, or the appropriate faculty/staff member, at your earliest convenience to discuss the feasibility of such a transition and the internal application process for potential matriculation in the upcoming academic year. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Cooper Beaman PhD Student, NSIDP
UCLA Policies & Procedures
Understanding relevant UCLA policies is crucial for navigating a Major/Classification Change and the academic disqualification appeal process. This section summarizes key information. For complete details, always refer to official UCLA Graduate Division documents and consult with Graduate Division staff.
The interplay between the appeal and transfer eligibility creates a race against time. Proactive engagement with potential new programs is the most critical action.
Program Tier Summary
This section provides a visual summary of the targeted PhD and MS programs, categorized by their assigned outreach tier. Tiers (0-3) help prioritize outreach efforts, with Tier 0 representing the highest priority. This visualization allows for a quick understanding of the distribution of potential program options.
Chart shows the number of identified PhD and MS programs in each outreach tier.