Dr. Rani Asmarayani, a researcher at the Research Center for Biosystematics and Evolution, National Agency for Research and Innovation (BRIN), is currently engaged in a research project at the University of Cincinnati focused on the origins of Piper betle and Areca catechu. These two plants are integral components of the betel-chewing tradition. Dr. Asmarayani’s research takes an innovative approach, delving into these plants’ molecular evolution and biogeography, which has yet to be explored. She leverages cutting-edge DNA sequencing technology and her expertise in biosystematics to unravel their origins.

Dr. Rani received a bachelor’s degree in biology from Universitas Gadjah Mada, a master’s degree in biotechnology from Institut Teknologi Bandung, and a doctorate in biology from the University of Missouri, St. Louis, supported by the Fulbright Doctoral Degree scholarship.