Yamanappa Hunashal
Research Scientist
Affiliation: NYU Abu Dhabi
Education: PhD University of Udine, Udine, Italy
Research Websites: NMR Group
Research Areas: NMR Spectroscopy; Protein Biochemistry; Structural Biology; Biophysics
Yamanappa Hunashal is a Research Scientist in the Division of Science (Biology) at New York University Abu Dhabi, with over a decade of experience in biophysics, structural biology, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. He earned his PhD in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Udine, Italy, where his doctoral research focused on developing and applying advanced NMR methodologies to study protein conformational dynamics, particularly amyloidogenic proteins such as β2-microglobulin. Hunashal also holds an MSc in Chemistry and a BSc from Karnatak University, India. His academic training is complemented by extensive hands-on expertise with high-field liquid and solid-state NMR instrumentation and interdisciplinary collaborations across chemistry, biology, and medicine.
Hunashal’s current research centers on NMR-based metabolomics and lipidomics of Caenorhabditis elegans, with a particular emphasis on lipid metabolism, drug-target interactions, and the biological activity of natural compounds, including avocado-derived lipids with nematocidal properties. His work integrates analytical characterization, biological assays, click chemistry, and in vivo NMR approaches to elucidate metabolic pathways and therapeutic mechanisms. Previously, as a postdoctoral researcher at NYU Abu Dhabi and the University of Connecticut Health Center, he investigated antibiotic resistance mechanisms in penicillin-binding proteins, nanobody-protein interactions, and antiviral strategies targeting SARS-CoV-2, contributing structural insights relevant to drug discovery.
Hunashal has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals. His research has been highlighted by international media, including Nature Middle East and Messaggero Veneto (an Italian newspaper), for contributions to antiviral and antimicrobial strategies. Hunashal is a member of international research consortia, including the COVID-19-NMR Consortium, and has received honors such as the Indian Government Summer Research Fellowship. He actively contributes to the scientific community as a reviewer and guest editor and remains committed to advancing NMR-based approaches for understanding biological systems and developing novel therapeutics.