Hello and welcome to my page! My name is Aasim Hussain, and I'm a 5th-year PhD candidate in Biomedical Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin, working in Alexander Marras' group. My research interests broadly encompass polymer physics, nucleic acids, soft matter, and biomaterials. 

My doctoral research centers on polyelectrolyte complex micelles (PCMs) and related nucleic acid-polycation assemblies for application in biomaterials and nucleic acid delivery. I investigated how variables including nucleic acid sequence and hybridization state, polymer block length and chemistry, ionic atmosphere, and assembly kinetics influence complexation, morphology, and stability. 

I love teaching, mentorship, and scientific outreach. I've mentored undergraduate researchers, participated in engineering education and research programs, and contributed to multidisciplinary collaborations across biomedical engineering, materials science, chemistry, and molecular simulation. As I near the completion of my PhD in May 2027, I am open to working in R&D, consulting, and management opportunities involving biomaterials, polymer science, nucleic acid delivery, soft materials, and/or molecularly engineered nanomaterials.

A little more about myself: I was born in Hawaii but grew up most of my life in North Carolina where I did my undergrad at NC State and UNC-Chapel Hill, in biomedical engineering. Things I enjoy doing are biking, listening to music, exploring new foods, watching sports (NBA>>>), playing board/video games, and traveling.