PEDERSON LAB

Brandon is currently a senior majoring in Biochemistry at California State, Dominguez Hills. His particular field of interest is pharmaceutical sciences with an emphasis on drug delivery mechanisms. He is currently working with Dr. Kari Pederson to study the heparan sulfate interactions of the HIV-1 p17 protein. His future goal is to continue his studies at a PhD program where he can contribute to biotechnical drug discovery. As an underrepresented student in STEM, Brandon hopes that his strides in the field will motivate other students and people from a similar background to explore the world of science. In his free time, he likes to weight train, spend time with his family and friends, watch comedy movies, listen to alternative rock music, hip-hop dance, and go indoor rock climbing.

Michelle is an undergraduate senior at California State University, Dominguez Hills. She expects to complete her B.S. in Biochemistry in Fall 2024. Her subjects of interest are pharmacology and chemical biology. After graduating with her B.S., she will attend graduate school to pursue a Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences. She is interested in cancer drug discovery and delivery. She has a close relationship with food, cooking new recipes and eating new foods her favorite hobbies. She also enjoys playing billiards.

Bradley transferred to California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) from the community college in South Lake Tahoe, California. He is a Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) Major with an emphasis in Medical Technology at CSUDH. Once he graduates with a Bachelors of Science in CLS, he plans to apply for a Medical Technology internship through CSUDH to become licensed to work in California. As a licensed Medical Technologist, he plans to travel around the United States and hopefully other countries to further enhance his work experience in the laboratory. Bradley joined Dr. Pederson’s research lab as a student research assistant to gain experience and knowledge in the lab. The Pederson Lab research team is currently working on studying the interaction between the HIV-1 protein p17 and heparan sulfate. The lab plans to use nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and computer modeling to characterize this binding interaction to identify the preferential binding of p17 to heparan sulfate. Bradley enjoys constantly working on his overall health through activities that elevate his mental and physical well being. He strives to create a peaceful life for himself through self fulfilling journeys.

Rochelle transferred to California State University, Dominguez Hills from Long Beach City College after earning an associate's degree in nutrition and dietetics. Amid her studies, she discovered her passion for science, leading her to redirect her academic focus towards a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry. During the Fall of 2023, she joined the Pederson lab to acquire hands-on experience and refine her laboratory skills. As a senior, she is currently in the process of determining her post-graduation plans. In her leisure, she enjoys hiking, cooking, and cherishing quality moments with her feline companions.

Jerik is a graduate student from the Biology Department. Under Dr. Pederson’s guidance, his research focuses on the identification of heparan sulfate binding proteins from several chemokine targets (CCL2, CCL5, CXCL8, CXCL10, and CXCL10) as potential targets for heparan sulfate - heparan sulfate binding protein complex characterization through NMR. These chemokine-heparan sulfate (HS) interactions serve important roles in inflammation and leukocyte recruitment – both of which are vital to HIV-1 pathogenesis. He hopes that his research will help others gain a better understanding of the structural basis for Chemokine-HS interactions for use as a platform in future therapeutics and disease prevention.

Outside of the lab, he enjoys a plethora of eclectic hobbies which include browsing through [chubby] cat-related media, reading & watching sci-fi and fantasy books & tv/films, playing tennis, building miniatures, taking long walks to the fridge, and spending time with loved ones.

Stephanie is a senior undergraduate majoring in Biochemistry. From a young age, she was interested in the sciences particularly those related to cells. Believing that biology was her calling, she actively enrolled in classes pertaining to that subject. However, chemistry was also another fascinating science so she decided to choose a major that studies both at California State University of Dominguez Hills. She's interested in learning about neuroplasticity. To achieve this, she plans to join a Ph.D program to continue her career in drug discovery to treat individuals that suffer from mental disorders. In her spare time, she likes to read books, bake/cook new recipes, and spend time with friends and family.

Kenia is a senior undergraduate student at California State University, Dominguez Hills. While in the pursuit of a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry, she is broadening her knowledge and gaining practical skills in Dr. Pederson's research lab, which is focused on investigating the binding interactions between the HIV-1 p17 protein and heparan sulfate. After graduation, Kenia plans to continue her education at a medical school with the goal to provide assistance to the individuals in her community.