Dr Iveren Winifred Nyinoh

About me:

Dr Nyinoh is a Lecturer in the Department of Biosciences, having transitioned from the Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences (CBS) within the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences (FHLS). She was awarded a PhD in Microbial Sciences from the University of Surrey's Institute of Biosciences and Medicine, where her research explored the molecular mechanisms underlying drug synergy in mycobacteria. She is recognised as a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA), a two-time Exeter Education Incubator Fellow, and a Global Classroom Fellow.

During her time at Exeter Medical School, she contributed to teaching and facilitating a wide range of modules across programmes including BMBS, Medical Sciences, Neuroscience, and Sports and Exercise Medical Sciences. She also supervised undergraduate students, served as an Academic Personal Tutor, and held the role of Deputy Module Lead for the optional module Decolonising Medicine and Health (CSC2025). In her role as the BMBS Race Equality Resource Officer (RERO Devon), Dr Nyinoh supported students in raising and addressing concerns about discrimination within the University and on clinical placements. This work contributed to the University’s Race Equality Charter (REC), supporting the advancement of minority ethnic students in higher education. She has led several key initiatives, including the CBS International and ethnic minority Peer Mentoring Programme, co-leading the CBS Wellbeing, Inclusion and Culture Committee’s (WICC) International and Ethnic Minority Student Workstream, and organising networking events for international and ethnic minority students. She also delivered the BMBS Year 3 EDI induction session on Navigating Microaggression in Clinical Placements and the Role of the Bystander.

Dr Nyinoh is actively engaged in outreach and mentoring initiatives. She led practical sessions for the Medical School’s widening participation programme, the Devon Healthcare Hub. She also actively mentors Black students through the Black Heritage Universities Group (B-HUGS) mentoring scheme, working with students in two Ted Wragg Trust schools in Exeter. In this role, she provides guidance, inspiration, and hands-on learning experiences in microbiology, helping to build students’ confidence, aspirations, and engagement with science. 

She began her academic career at Benue State University, Nigeria, where she taught microbiology, biotechnology, genetics, microbial genetics/biochemistry, and molecular biology. In addition to supervising undergraduate and postgraduate research, she coordinated internships, led field trips, and held various administrative roles, including Examination Officer, Faculty Representative, and Secretary of Quality Assurance, contributing to programme development at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Honours and Awards 

• Shortlisted for a Success for All Award in the Team Champion for Student Experience and Support category (July 29, 2025).
• Shortlisted for a Success for All Award in the category of Individual Champion for Student Experience and Success (July 29, 2025).
• Nominated for the Evenfields Black Talent Awards in the People & Culture Employee of the Year (June 10, 2025).
• Winner, "Champion for Student Experience and Support" Award at the Success for All Conference, together with colleagues from Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, Wellbeing Inclusion and Culture Committee (August 12, 2024).
• Letter of Congratulation/Commendation from DVC, People and Culture (July 15, 2024).
• Six (6) Above and Beyond Awards in the Community (3), Inclusion (1), and Excellence (2) Categories (October 2023 - August 2025).
• Four (4) Above and Beyond Awards in the Community category (November 2022 - July 2023).
• Mrs. Hilda Ochefu’s Prize for the Most Outstanding Female Student.
• Head of Department’s Prize for the best graduating student in Biological Sciences.
• Chief Raymond Ihyembe’s Prize for the best graduating student in Biological Sciences.

Grants

• Exeter Education Incubator Phase 2 Incubation Grant (£5000), June 2025
• Exeter Open Innovation Transnational Fund (£9600), April 2025.
• Global Exeter Innovation Fund and Global Partnership for Global Classroom (£3500), November 2024
• Exeter Education Discovery Grant (£300), October 2023
• Psychology Director of Research (DoR) grant (£700) to conduct pilot studies on "Prosociality and gut microbiome characteristics" (March, 2023)
• Schlumberger Faculty for the Future Fellowship for Women from Developing and Emerging Economies, (March 2014)
• UK Times Cheltenham Science Festival Bursary, (June 2013)