Andrea Shin, MD

Key investigator

  • Andrea S. Shin, MD, MSCR

Current research projects

Dr. Shin’s primary research focus is to perform clinical and translational studies to develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to treat disorders of the gut-brain interaction (DGBIs) irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Key interests focus on clinical studies of the GI microbiome, metabolome (including bile acids and short chain fatty acids), and dysregulation of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in patients with in DGBI. Dr. Shin further focuses on analyzing large data repositories (e.g., NHANES, Optum) and applying survey-based approaches to investigate clinical questions, knowledge gaps, and generate novel hypotheses related to DGBI including IBS. 

Selected ongoing projects

  • Identifying obstacles and facilitators for a career in neurogastroenterology and motility among young learners and trainees (Funded by the American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society: ANMS)
    • Aims of this project are to conduct a nationwide survey study to identify the barriers and facilitators among young learners and trainees for pursuing careers in disorders of gut-brain interaction and gastrointestinal motility
  • Study of pathway-dependent effects of luminal microbial metabolites including short chain fatty acids, bile acids in irritable bowel syndrome
    • This project aims to identify differentially abundant metabolic pathways (genes) of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) production and BA biotransformation in patients with IBS through functional profiling of metagenomic sequencing data
  • Fecal bile acids, fecal short chain fatty acids and the intestinal microbiota in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and control volunteers: Diet challenge
    • Our overall goal is to investigate relationships between fecal bile acids, SCFA and the gut microbiota in IBS

Future research directions

  • Study of microbial traits as predictors of pathophysiological mechanisms in IBS
  • Development of novel microbiota modulating strategies for DGBI
  • Effective implementation of long-term microbiota-modulating dietary interventions
  • Clinical studies of live biotherapeutics in IBS

About Dr. Shin

 Dr. Shin specializes in the care of patients with disorders of gut-brain interactions (DGBI) and gastrointestinal motility disorders. She is committed to providing individualized care that emphasizes the multidimensional nature of DGBI and motility disorders. Her research interests relate to her clinical expertise and focuses on developing novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to treating disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, functional diarrhea, chronic diarrhea, chronic constipation, and other DGBI. She received a K23 career development award through the National Institutes of Health, has co-authored over 80 peer-reviewed publications, and is a member of the Rome V Bowel Disorders Committee, the AGA Research Awards Panel and Research Institute Policy Committee, and the American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society (ANMS) Council. She serves as chair of the ANMS Research Council, associate clinical editor for Neurogastroenterology & Motility, and as an editorial board member for Alimentary, Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, and BMC Medicine.

Lab members

Diana Funes

Diana Funes

Coordinator, Biobanking Program

Diana earned a BS in graphic design before starting her career in GI. She worked four years as an administrative assistant at a private GI clinic, then joined UCLA Health supporting physician scheduling, including Dr. Lin Chang. Mentored by Dr. Chang, Diana found her passion for clinical research and transitioned into the field. She now coordinates GI research at the G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, contributing to the Biobanking Program.

Laura L. Hernandez

Laura Hernandez

Lab Manager

Laura earned her bachelor of science in biology from UCLA. Prior to joining the Shin Lab, she worked at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles as a research assistant. She currently manages daily operations and assists in the cataloguing of biosamples of various PIs associated with the Goodman-Luskin Microbiome Center and the Vatche & Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases into an online database.

Vanessa Lizarraga

Vanessa Lizarraga, MSCR

Clinical Research Coordinator

Vanessa holds a BA in biology from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master’s in Clinical Research Management from The Ohio State University. She currently oversees all of Dr. Shin’s clinical research studies, managing daily operations, ensuring regulatory compliance, and coordinating participant involvement. Vanessa is passionate about advancing translational research and driving high-quality, patient-centered studies.

In the news

  • IBS in America: Despite advances, IBS remains a burden for many millions (August 2025)
    • A new American Gastroenterological Association (AGA)-sponsored survey conducted by The Harris Poll, a Stagwell (STGW) agency, reveals that IBS symptoms disrupt patients’ productivity and personal activities 19 days each month, impacting both personal and professional life. "The findings of this survey underscore the persistent challenges and impact IBS has on patients’ lives,” said Dr. Andrea Shin, patient education advisor at UCLA Health. “Despite progress in the medical community’s approach to diagnosing and managing IBS, patients continue to suffer significant disruptions to their personal and professional lives.” Read more in the Associated Press | American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) | Medscape  | Medical Xpress | HCP Live | RheumNow

Key publications - Full list of publications

Past GI fellows

  • Rachel Sarnoff, MD (DGBI fellow)