Explore the mechanisms of human diseases through Biochemistry!

The chemistry of our being, the fundamental structure of molecular elements, and the renewal and regeneration of cell-structure are the meta-skills that are essential in driving the unquenchable thirst of a Biochemistry enthusiast. However, what if they could be more lucid to learn, easier to comprehend, and more methodical to implement? This can be effectively pursued and executed through well-directed research with a unidirectional objective of the gross benefit of mankind.

Hailing from a country where inflammation of the nose and paranasal sinuses is a household syndrome, I witnessed my parents having serious chronic sinus infections, despite trying many medicines and multiple surgeries. This experience had not only prodded me to develop the conviction to find its cure but also played a pivotal role to ignite my desire to explore the mechanisms of human diseases through Biochemistry.

My educational background and subsequent research experience second my interest in the righteous field of Biotechnology. Obtaining my Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from King Abdul Aziz University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, I decided to pursue higher studies with an aim to fulfill my research interest and moved to the USA. Although it was not uncomplicated for me to get acquainted with the new way of graduation life, I could steadily earn my Bachelor's degree. I earned a Master of Science degree in the Biotechnology program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). As a part of my M.S. program, I picked up my analytical and subject-oriented technical skills by researching vehemently on breast cancer and expanding my research understanding to determine the region of the cytosolic domain of RANK protein that interacts with the TRAF-2 protein known to induce degradation of RANK.

I worked as an intern in Dr. Roger White’s laboratory in the Division of Cardiovascular Disease at UAB, participating in a project of using apolipoprotein (apo) A-I mimetic peptide to block the oxidation of Apo-I by reducing ABCA-1 mediated Cholesterol from heart tissue measured by western blot, Mass spectrometry, and Cholesterol efflux assay in isolating cells from mice bone marrow. I also had hand-on experience in animal surgery, ELISA, and Cell Culture procedures. I volunteered in Professor Mohammad Athar’s Laboratory in the Department of Dermatology at UAB, participating in an NIH funded project related to cutaneous injury caused by arsenicals, the chemicals that cause intense inflammatory and tissue-damaging response upon cutaneous exposure. There I also gained experience working in skin tissue, and learned many molecular techniques such as isolation of DNA & RNA, maintaining cell culture, western blotting, genotyping, and Gel electrophoresis.

Continuing to pursue my research aspiration, I am presently working as a Researcher in Professor Timothy Kraft’s laboratory in Vision Science Research. I am ceaselessly working to identify the role of SULT4A1 (a sulfotransferase) in the retina by performing Electroretinography (ERG) to measure its function and by analyzing data using LabView and Igor software. I also detect Optical coherence tomography (OCT) to capture images of the retina. I maintain a mouse colony and perform genotyping. Besides, I oversee lab

inventory and establish collaboration with investigators in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology.

As I have decided to spend the rest of my career in research and academics, I am keen to contribute extensively to the regime of developmental Biotechnology study with my research outcome. The Biochemistry Ph.D. program at UAB will be invaluable to my chosen career path. I am confident that the high standard of education, together with the teaching skills of globally acclaimed scientists, can not only positively influence my area of interest but also will nourish and nurture it for its gradual advancement.

The number of ongoing research and innovations with substantial funding availability had reiterated the sustainable research pursuit of UAB. These include inter-alia, K 23 grant to study the impact of protein-enriched human milk in preterm infants; efficacy of Novel diabetes drug in human islets and mouse models; targeting the genes responsible for Alzheimer's disease; better treatments for addiction and pain; heterogeneity of flu-vaccine, and so on. Although the unidirectional goal of the program of my interest, i.e. Pathobiology, Pharmacology, & Physiology (P3), is to provide with multidisciplinary training opportunities promoting quality research and career development in this field, I am equally enthusiastic to join the program due to its global reach and multifarious collaborative arrangements with other institutions. Some of the seminal researches by professors of the university, with pivotal importance to mankind, have acted as driving forces for me to opt for this course. Analysis of SULT4A1 in Protein Interactions, Developing Novel Combination Therapies for Pancreatic Cancer, and DNA Repair Enzyme Tyrosyl-DNA Phosphodiesterase as a Novel Therapeutic Target for Ovarian Cancer Treatment- the researches undertaken by Professor Robert van Waardenburg had immensely motivated me to join this course and get an opportunity to work extensively under the able guidance of experts in the field.

During my graduation and post-graduation days, I could incessantly work on the typical research challenges and objectives by maintaining all relevant parameters and following all extant procedures effectively and ethically. As a conscientious and dedicated student, I believe I can prove to be a valuable asset to UAB that has long been known for its dedication to excellence, innovation, and all-inclusive diversity. I humbly submit that my academic and professional qualifications, exposure, and experience would be helpful in performing quality research in Biotechnology, and I have the conviction that I can do justice to the research work I would be assigned if I am selected for the opportunity. I also have the potential benefit of having additional scholarship funding after a year in the program. I thank you for taking the time to read my statement of purpose and request you to consider my candidature as an enthusiastic and competent student for the Ph.D. program at your coveted University.