Research
I study how animals survive extreme environments and how students make sense of the human body. By studying organisms that have evolved to survive in conditions that challenge human physiology or cause damage to human tissues, we can better understand how to treat and prevent these diseases in humans. I’m also interested in how students engage with anatomy in and out of the classroom, with a focus on accessibility, engagement, and how people learn.
My Research
My research program has two main branches. The first is a continuation of my doctoral dissertation, conducted in collaboration with my Ph.D. advisor Dr. Jason Podrabsky at Portland State University. My dissertation focused on the physiological mechanisms that allow for vertebrate survival during exposures to anoxia and dehydration. Specifically, I investigated the neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and its role in the survival of embryos of the annual killifish, Austrofundulus limnaeus, during bouts of no oxygen and no water. I believe that nature, through evolution, has already solved many problems that cause or contribute to human diseases. By studying organisms that have evolved to survive in conditions that challenge human physiology or damage human tissues, we can better understand how to treat and prevent these diseases in humans. Due to COVID-19, my dissertation defense was conducted remotely via Zoom in 2020. Although I was not able to interact and celebrate with people in person, a remote defense enabled my family, friends, and colleagues from across the world to attend or watch a recording of my PhD defense.
The second branch of my research is in anatomy education. As an anatomy professor with a Ph.D. in biology, I bring over a decade of experience teaching anatomy and physiology with a focus on accessibility, engagement, and evidence-based learning. I’m particularly interested in how students learn anatomy and how they interact with anatomical misinformation in today’s sociopolitical climate. This work reflects my broader commitment to inclusive, equitable teaching and a curiosity about how students think—not just what they know.
My Publications
* denotes undergraduate researcher
Is This Science? Students’ Experiences of Failure Make a Research-Based Course Feel Authentic
Goodwin, E.C., *Anokhin, V., Gray, M.J., Zajic, D.E., Podrabsky, J.E., Shortlidge, E.E. 2021. Is this Science? Students’ Experiences of Failure Make a Research-Based Course Feel Authentic. CBE—Life Sciences Education. DOI: 10.1187/cbe.20-07-0149
Metabolomics analysis of annual killifish (Austrofundulus limnaeus) embryos during aerial dehydration stress
Zajic, D.E. and Podrabsky, J.E. 2020. Metabolomics analysis provides insight on survival of annual killifish (Austrofundulus limnaeus) embryos during dehydration stress. Physiological Genomics. 52(9), 408-422. DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00072.2020
Establishment and characterization of an Anoxia-Tolerant Cell Line, PSU-AL-WS40NE, Derived from the Annual Killifish, Austrofundulus limnaeus
Riggs, C.L., *Le, R., Kültz, D., Zajic, D., *Summers, A., *Alvarez, L., & Podrabsky, J.E. 2019. Establishment and characterization of an Anoxia-Tolerant Cell Line, PSU-AL-WS40NE, Derived from the Annual Killifish Austrofundulus limnaeus. Comparative Physiology and Biochemistry, Part B. 10.1016/j.cbpb.2019.02.008 Riggs et al 2019
GABA metabolism is crucial for long-term survival of anoxia in annual killifish embryos
Zajic, D.E. and Podrabsky, J.E. 2020. GABA metabolism is crucial for long-term survival of anoxia in annual killifish embryos. Journal of Experimental Biology. DOI: 10.1242/jeb.229716
No water, no problem: stage-specific metabolic responses to dehydration stress in annual killifish embryos
Zajic, D.E., *Nicholson, J.P., and Podrabsky, J.E. 2020. No water, no problem: Stage-specific metabolic responses to dehydration stress in annual killifish embryos. Journal of Experimental Biology. DOI: 10.1242/jeb.231985