Brianna Kdeiss

Statement of Purpose
CSUF Masters Program
As I started my undergraduate biology courses at California State University Fullerton, I
found myself fascinated with particular topics in biology, especially the functions of the human
immune system and the brain. After a discussion with a biology professor I had at the time, I
decided to apply to an introductory research program in hopes of gaining some experience and
expanding my knowledge. I was accepted into the Research Careers Prepatory (RCP) program
and was fortunate to join the lab of Dr. Nikolas Nikolaidis on the California State University
Fullerton campus the following semester. My two years working with and learning from my
advisor and peers, reassured me of passion for biology and encouraged me to continue my
education. I want to complete my graduate degree and then transition into the bio-industrial field.
I believe the Cal State University Fullerton Masters of Science in Biology program will be a
perfect fit for my future goals.
The lab of Dr. Nikolaidis focuses on biochemistry and bioinformatics to study the
evolution of Heat Shock Proteins (Hsp), in particular Hsp of the 70 kilodalton size (Hsp70).
Hsp70s play an indispensable role in the chaperoning of misfolded protein by undergoing a cycle
of ATP hydrolysis. My current focus of study is with HspA1A (a particular protein from the
Hsp70 family), and its methods of interactions with lipids on the phospholipid membrane. A
large amount of research has found HspA1A binds to particular lipids, and direct physiological
effects are derived from that binding. These findings have confused many, because there is no
channel or pathway for the protein to properly cross the membrane. No one has uncovered how
exactly the binding or embedding of the protein into the membrane occurs. The lab of Dr.
Nikolaidis has proposed a mechanism for Hsp70 lipid binding and my focus is uncovering if the
mechanism can be scientifically supported. Over the past year I have carried out a Sedimentation
Assay in which I create a unilamellar synthetic phospholipid membrane and allow my protein to
incubate with those lipids. Centrifugation and SDS Polyacrylamide techniques are then used to
visualize how much, if any, of my protein bound to the membrane. This same assay can be
altered and utilized to look at this interaction under an assortment of conditions, including the
presence of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), calcium chloride and
potassium chloride. I have also purified and run this assay with only the nucleotide binding
domain (NBD) of HspA1A. The proposed mechanism for Hsp70 lipid binding suggests that the
NBD is responsible for the initial bonding of the protein to the membrane, but is not responsible
for the actual embedding of the protein into the membrane. The data I have collected through my
research has supported this proposition.
Working in a research lab has given me a countless number of opportunities to validate
my interest in science, particularly biology. I was privileged to partake in the 2014 Howard
Hughs Medical Institute Summer Program at California State University Fullerton. I have been
able to present my research at scientific conferences, including, the Stem Summer Research
Symposium, Southern California Conference for Undergraduate Research (SCCUR) and the 27th
Annual California State University Biotechnology Symposium (CSUPERB). This spring I will
also be presenting and giving my first oral presentation at Experimental Biology 2015 under the
American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB). All of my research

experience and exposure to associated biological research has reassured me that I want to
continue in this field and find a career in molecular biology. My interests still focus on
neurobiology and signal pathways involved in the immune system.
My goal is to continue conducting research in the lab of Dr. Nikolas Nikolaidis at Cal
State University Fullerton for my Masters degree. Working with an intelligent mentor who has a
true interest in my education will allow me to broaden my scientific knowledge and prepare me
for a future in research. I look forward to bringing forth my skills to the program, as well as
learning new concepts and techniques. I believe I have found a field in which I can explore new
ideas and make a difference, and I feel that this graduate program would further my goals in
doing so.