Evgeniy Panzhinskiy (He/Him)

Evgeniy Panzhinskiy earned his PhD from the University of Wyoming under the supervision of Dr. Sreejayan Nair. His dissertation research was focused on elucidating a role of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B and endoplasmic reticulum stress in obesity-induced insulin resistance. He then pursued postdoctoral training in Dr. James Johnson laboratory at the University of British Columbia, during which he investigated novel translation initiation factors in the context of pancreatic beta cell failure in diabetes. In 2018, Dr. Panzhinskiy transitioned to educational career path as a lecturer at the University of British Columbia where he taught various second- and third-year courses in biochemistry, molecular biology, and physiology.

In 2024, Dr. Panzhinskiy started as an Assistant Professor - Teaching Stream at the University of Waterloo. His primary teaching assignments at the University of Waterloo are second- and third-year biochemistry courses (CHEM 233, CHEM 237, CHEM 331, CHEM 333) for major and non-major students. These courses focus on developing strong foundation for upper level undergraduate and graduate courses. Dr. Panzhinskiy teaching approach is focused on learner-centered models that treat each student as a unique individual who deserves a stimulating learning environment that fosters holistic growth.

Dr. Panzhinskiy also serves as an Undergraduate Advisor in Biochemistry Program. In this role he supports students by helping them create a meaningful educational plan that fits best their academic, career, or life aspirations. He strives to offer a welcoming environment to share any concerns and empower students to take charge of their academic journey.

• Biochemistry
• Metabolism
• Diabetes
• Scholarship of teaching and learning

• 2018, Postdoctoral, Cellular & Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Canada
• 2013, PhD, Molecular & Cellular Life Sciences, University of Wyoming, USA
• 2008, BSc, Molecular Biology, Novosibirsk State University, Russia

• 2016, JDRF Postdoctoral Fellowship Award, University of British Columbia, Canada
• 2015, CIHR Transplantation Research Award, University of British Columbia, Canada
• 2008, Opportunity Initiative Doctorate Scholarship, ACTR/ACIE Education USA
• 2006, Belyaev Scholarship Award, Novosibirsk State University, Russia

• 2024, Biochemistry Undergraduate Advisor

• Panzhinskiy E, Skovsø S, Cen HH, Chu KY, MacDonald K, et al. Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2A protects pancreatic 1 beta cells during endoplasmic reticulum stress while rescuing translation inhibition. Diabetologia. 2024. In Press.
• Brownrigg GP, Xia YH, Chu CMJ, Wang S, Chao C, Zhang JA, Skovsø S, Panzhinskiy E, Hu X, Johnson JD, Rideout EJ. Sex differences in islet stress responses support female β cell resilience. Molecular Metabolism. 2023 Mar. 69: 101678.
• Taylor AJ, Panzhinskiy E, Orban PC, Lynn FC, Schaeffer DF, Johnson JD, Kopp JL, Verchere CB. Islet amyloid polypeptide does not suppress pancreatic cancer. Molecular Metabolism. 2023 Feb. 68:101667.
• Chu CMJ, Modi H, Ellis C, Krentz NAJ, Skovsø S, Zhao YB, Cen H, Noursadeghi N, Panzhinskiy E, Hu X, Dionne DA, Xia YH, Xuan S, Huising MO, Kieffer TJ, Lynn FC, Johnson JD. Dynamic Ins2 Gene Activity Defines β-cell Maturity States. Diabetes. 2022 Dec. 71(12):2612-2631.
• Skovsø S, Panzhinskiy E, Kolic J, Cen HH, et al. Beta-cell specific Insr deletion promotes insulin hypersecretion and improves glucose tolerance prior to global insulin resistance. Nature Communications. 2022 Feb; 13(735).
• Kolic J, Beet L, Overby P, Cen HH, Panzhinskiy E, Ure DR, et al. Differential effects of voclosporin and tacrolimus on insulin secretion from human islets. Endocrinology. 2020; 161(11).
• Panzhinskiy E, Johnson JD. Unique ER Stress Mechanisms in β Cells Limit the Translation Potential of Therapies Targeting eIF2α. Endocrinology. 2017 Jun; 158(6):1564-1566.
• Szabat M, Page MM, Panzhinskiy E, Skovsø S, Mojibian M et al. Reduced insulin production relieves endoplasmic reticulum stress and induces β cell proliferation. Cell Metabolism. 2016 Jan 12;23(1):179-93.
• Panzhinskiy E, Hua Y, Culver B, Ren J, Nair S. Endoplasmic reticulum stress upregulates protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B and impairs glucose uptake in cultured myotubes. Diabetologia. 2013 March;56(3):598-607.
• Panzhinskiy E, Zawada WM, Stenmark KR, Das M. Hypoxia induces unique proliferative response in adventitial fibroblasts by activating PDGFβ receptor-JNK1 signaling. Cardiovascular Research. 2012 Aug;95(3):356-65.