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Andrew Shackleton, Bsc (UPE), Bsc
(Hons) (UPE)
How did you end up studying
genetics? What and who inspired
you along the way?
I started off with an interest in veterinary
science, but as school biology evolved
I realised that I wanted to be involved in
zoology. My years as an undergraduate
student exposed me to this new world
of the "scientific process" and I became
hooked. I found genetics classes interesting,
but never thought that it would be
my latter year field of interest.
When I did my Honours’ my subjects
involved a lot of conservation techniques
and disciplines, and towards the end I
became more and more interested in conservation
genetics (mostly as a result of
reading articles in zoological journals).
The Zoological Society of Southern
Africa placed an advertisement on the
Net, looking for candidates to study the
population sub-structure and breeding
behaviour of bats. This seemed a much
more viable option, as I had first thought
that I was going to do my Masters degree
on Marion Island, looking at the physiological
adaptations of springtails and
mites! So, I left for Cape Town and I have
been working with bats for the past year. I
use PCR, microsatellite and mtDNA protocols
to answer many intriguing questions
about the relatedness of one colony to
another. I even trace their migration
routes across the country. Lately, I have
been looking at mating strategies using
in vitro DNA amplification to answer questions
about cryptic breeders (when breeding
behaviour is difficult to observe).
What kind of person do you think
is suited to a career in your field
of expertise?
A person who has an appreciation of nature
beyond aesthetics. In particular, one must
be able to think subjectively, and at times
impartially – analytical enquiry should be a
part of your persona! Biological processes
have many facets, but it is only by looking
at the picture as a whole that we really
begin to make science.
South Africa is considered a thirdworld
country. Would you say
that this affects the quality of
our genetics research?
In general South African laboratories
have some very nifty equipment.
Onderstepoort Veterinary School, and
even my laboratories have equipment that
will get the job done. There are also very
good scientists in SA who will assist in
"Fortunately I travel a lot. I get to
spend many hours in tranquil, surreal
surroundings. Most of the areas I
get to visit on field trips are those
wilderness sites which are closed
to the general public."
making your studies a well-rounded
experience.
What words of warning
and encouragement do you
have for someone who wants
to study genetics?
In the words of Einstein: "I stood on the
shoulders on giants!". SA varsities are
great – you just have to work to make
the most of your career. Decide where you
want to go – remember it’s your future,
not your mate’s!
What do you love best about
what you do?
Fortunately I travel a lot. I get to
spend many hours in tranquil, surreal surroundings. Most of the
areas I get to visit on field trips are
wilderness sites which are closed to the
general public. Field trips can take as
long as a month – depending on how
sample and data collection go. These
are very welcome breaks especially in a
laboratory-based project such as this
one.
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