Shahinaz Gadalla

Shahinaz Gadalla is a renowned medical geneticist and epidemiologist known for her significant contributions to the field of genetic epidemiology. Her research primarily focuses on the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to the development of cancer and other complex diseases.

Early Life and Education

Gadalla was born and raised in Egypt. She completed her MBBS degree from the Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University. She later moved to the United States for her postgraduate studies and earned a MS in Human Genetics from the Johns Hopkins University and a PhD in Epidemiology from the University of Maryland, College Park.

Career

Gadalla started her career as a physician in Egypt before moving to the United States for further studies. After completing her PhD, she joined the National Cancer Institute (NCI) as a postdoctoral fellow. At NCI, she worked on several research projects focusing on the genetic epidemiology of cancer.

Currently, Gadalla is a tenure-track investigator at the NCI's Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics. Her research group is involved in studying the genetic and environmental risk factors for cancer, with a particular focus on telomere biology disorders and their associated cancer risks.

Research and Contributions

Gadalla's research has significantly contributed to the understanding of the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to the development of cancer. Her work on telomere biology disorders has provided valuable insights into the genetic basis of these disorders and their associated cancer risks.

One of her notable contributions is her research on the role of telomerase in cancer development. Her studies have shown that mutations in the telomerase gene are associated with an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer.

Recognition

Gadalla's contributions to the field of genetic epidemiology have been recognized by several prestigious awards. She is a recipient of the NCI Director's Intramural Innovation Award for her research on telomere biology disorders.