Dr Andrew Shelling
Position: University Lecturer, Researcher, Field: Genetics, Organisation: University of Auckland - Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences.
Andrew is head of the Medical Genetics Research Group, which is primarily interested in understanding the molecular changes that occur during the development of genetic disorders, including cancer.
The aim of Andrew's research is to provide a better understanding of important changes during the development of disease. This will eventually help to improve the early detection of disease, and to target more effective treatment.
There's a lot of unnecessary suffering out there that we can do something about...
Most of his research has focused on premature menopause and ovarian cancer.
Career Pathway
Andrew completed his PhD in 1992 at the University of Otago. His research for this focused on the development of viral vectors for use in gene therapy.
In 1992 he received the prestigious Nuffield Medical Fellowship to study at the Institute of Molecular Medicine at Oxford for three years, where he worked on the genetics of ovarian cancer. During this time he also taught at Christ Church College, Oxford.
In 1995 he returned to New Zealand to take up his current position at the University of Auckland.
Genetic testing: Getting the DNA
Researchers can use DNA samples to find genetic combinations that might increase the risk of getting a particular disease. The DNA is often collected from the white blood cells in a blood sample. About 10 ml of blood is collected from patients involved in the study. They patients know that DNA studies are going to be done, and have given their permission to the researchers. It is important that the blood samples are 'anonymised', or coded. The laboratory number and person's name is kept in a database - this is so that the researchers don't lose track of the original identity of the samples. The blood is also divided into at least two samples so that some of it can be stored in a separate place to provide original material in case test results show up something interesting that needs to be checked.
He is currently deputy head of Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and president of the New Zealand branch of the Human Genetics Society of Australasia.
Interests
Andrew has represented New Zealand in the World Mountain Running Championships, was a member of the Otago University 1st squash team, and played for the 1st rugby team of Christ Church College in Oxford.
His interests include keeping fit, camping, fishing, gardening, wine-making, Asian food. He as participatied in the 2005 Coast to Coast multisport race.
This article is based on information current in 2007.
