Dr. Rustem Ismagilov

Professor

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Biography

Rustem F. Ismagilov is a Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), where he also serves as the Merkin Institute Professor and Director of the Jacobs Institute for Molecular Engineering for Medicine. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree from the Higher Chemical College of the Russian Academy of Sciences in 1994 and his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, in 1998. He began his academic career as the Miles Professor at Caltech from 2011 to 2013 and became the Bowles Professor in 2013. His research focuses on global health, particularly the biophysics of microbial communities in the gut microbiome, and the development of rapid diagnostics for infectious diseases. Ismagilov's lab employs microfluidics and complex network analysis to enhance understanding of human-microbe interactions. He has a strong commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together researchers from chemistry, biology, and engineering to tackle real-world health challenges.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

— Present

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA

Serves as Bowles Professor, Director of the Jacobs Institute for Molecular Engineering for Medicine.

Miles Professor

— Present

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA

Held various responsibilities in the Chemical Engineering and Chemistry divisions.

Requirements for California Institute of Technology

Doctorate Program
Requirements
TOEFL
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or equivalent Strong background in mathematics and physical sciences
Application Checklist
  • Online Application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Transcripts
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

Most Caltech graduate programs are PhD-only. GRE General and Subject tests vary by department; many have made them optional or no longer accept them.