Emil Khisamutdinov

Emil Khisamutdinov is a Professor of Chemistry at Ball State University's Department of Chemistry, part of the College of Sciences and Humanities. Prior to joining BSU in 2014, he conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Kentucky under Prof. Peixuan Guo in RNA nanotechnology. His research focuses on designing RNA-based nanoparticles for applications in nanomedicine, biosensing, and nanoelectronics, leveraging interdisciplinary techniques from chemistry, biology, and materials science.

Dr. Khisamutdinov holds a Ph.D. from Bowling Green State University (2012), where he studied DNA damage mechanisms, and M.S. and B.S. degrees from the National University of Uzbekistan (2007 and 2005). He teaches Biochemistry courses and leads the BioNanoTechnology Research Laboratory, emphasizing RNA 3D design, bioconjugation, and advanced characterization techniques like AFM and TEM.

His lab's current projects aim to develop programmable RNA nanoparticles with controlled immunorecognition and functional properties. Recent work includes studies on shape transitions, fluorogenic aptamer logic gates, and non-immunostimulatory nanoparticles. The lab collaborates widely, hosting students through programs like the Chemistry Research Immersion Summer Program (CRISP).

Dr. Khisamutdinov has advised numerous students, many of whom present at national conferences such as the ACS National Meeting and the Indiana Academy of Science. His lab's work bridges fundamental RNA structure-function relationships with applied nanotechnology, addressing challenges in drug delivery and diagnostic systems.