Contact
Biography
Dr. Cahyani (more commonly known as Ninin) is currently a Teaching Associate in the School of Life Sciences, with an academic and research career spanning multiple countries. She earned her PhD in Molecular Medicine from the University of Auckland, New Zealand, following an MSc in Cell Biology from Wageningen University in the Netherlands and a BSc in Biology (Cum Laude) from Brawijaya University, Indonesia.
Her international academic journey includes postdoctoral research at the University of Oslo, Norway, and teaching roles in Indonesia before joining Nottingham, where she has held both research and teaching positions. Dr. Cahyani's research expertise lies in genomics and nanopore sequencing, with significant contributions to ultra-long read sequencing protocols and intra-operative brain tumour diagnostic. Her work has been featured in high-impact journals such as Nature Medicine, Genome Research, and Neuro-Oncology, and highlighted by media outlets including the BBC and The Guardian.
She has led international collaborations, notably introducing SARS-CoV-2 sequencing in Indonesia, and serves as a genomics advisor for PathGen. Her achievements include contribution to research grants, peer-reviewed publications, and recognition as a runner-up in the 2025 East Midlands FameLab science communication competition. She is also a committed educator, integrating cutting-edge research into undergraduate teaching and mentoring students across levels. Her leadership in curriculum innovation and dedication to widening participation reflect her broader impact on science education and global health research.
Teaching Summary
High Contribution Modules
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LIFE3042/3081 - BSc Biochemistry Research Project Lead convenor since 2024/25. Final-year research module involving ~100 students. I manage allocations, oral exams, and assessments, and offer bioinformatics and nanopore sequencing projects.
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LIFE1029 - Genes, Molecules and Cells Introductory module covering cell biology, biochemistry, and molecular genetics. I deliver practical sessions that build essential lab skills.
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LIFE2063 - Genotype to Phenotype & Back Again Year-long module focused on research design, team science, and communication. I support student groups using my genomics expertise.
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LIFE4108/4109 - Project with Research Planning and Preparation MSci Year 4 research preparation module. I co-convene and lead the Biochemistry cohort, overseeing supervisor allocation and assessments.
Core Year 2 Biochemistry Modules
- LIFE2074 - Signalling & Metabolic Regulation
- LIFE2076 - Structure, Function & Analysis of Genes
- LIFE2077 - Structure, Function & Analysis of Proteins I deliver lectures and practicals across all three modules, ensuring continuity and depth in Year 2 Biochemistry teaching.
Other Content-Based Modules
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LIFE3130 - Molecular Diagnostics & Therapeutics Covers advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies. I deliver lectures including new content based on my brain tumour sequencing research.
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LIFE3093 - Life History of Proteins Explores protein biology from synthesis to degradation. I contribute five lectures.
Tutorial-Based Modules
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LIFE1039 - Core Skills in Biochemistry First-year module combining academic and pastoral tutorials. I support students' transition to university and foster study skills.
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LIFE2082 - Higher Skills in Biochemistry Year 2 tutorial module focused on academic development and employability skills.
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LIFE3333 - Pastoral Tutorial for Year 3 Students I tutor Year 3 students, supporting academic progress and research project development.
Research Summary
Genome organisation and functions coupled with long-read DNA sequencing using Oxford Nanopore Technology
- Development and application of ultra-long sequencing protocol, e.g. T2T genome assembly, copy number variations of rDNA and other repeat elements
- On-field applications of nanopore sequencing in Indonesia
Recent Publications
PATEL, AREEBA, GÖBEL, KIRSTEN, ILLE, SEBASTIAN, HINZ, FELIX, SCHOEBE, NATALIE, BOGUMIL, HENRI, MEYER, JOCHEN, BREHM, MICHELLE, KARDO, HELIN, SCHRIMPF, DANIEL and OTHERS, 2025. Prospective, multicenter validation of a platform for rapid molecular profiling of central nervous system tumors Nature medicine. 1-11
MUNRO, RORY, PAYNE, ALEXANDER, HOLMES, NADINE, MOORE, CHRIS, CAHYANI, INSWASTI and LOOSE, MATTHEW, 2025. Enhancing nanopore adaptive sampling for PromethION using readfish at scale Genome Research. 35(4), 877-885
CAHYANI, INSWASTI, TYSON, JOHN, HOLMES, NADINE, QUICK, JOSH, MOORE, CHRIS, LOMAN, NICK and LOOSE, MATTHEW, 2025. An optimized toolkit for high-molecular-weight DNA extraction and ultra-long-read nanopore sequencing using glass beads and hexamminecobalt (III) chloride Genome Research. 35(5), 1154-1166
DEACON, SIMON, CAHYANI, INSWASTI, HOLMES, NADINE, FOX, GRAEME, MUNRO, RORY, WIBOWO, SATRIO, MURRAY, THOMAS, MASON, HANNAH, HOUSLEY, MARK, MARTIN, DANIEL and OTHERS, 2025. ROBIN: A unified nanopore-based assay integrating intraoperative methylome classification and next-day comprehensive profiling for ultra-rapid tumor diagnosis Neuro-Oncology. noaf103