Holly Jones-Taggart

Holly Jones-Taggart, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Ontario Tech University. Her research focuses on cellular responses to environmental stimuli, molecular manipulation techniques, and innovative educational strategies in health sciences. She holds a PhD in Molecular Biology from Western University and a BSc in Biology from Queen's University.

Research Expertise: Dr. Jones-Taggart investigates cancer cell signaling pathways, environmental toxin impacts on gene expression, and the integration of technology in health sciences education. Her lab explores how extracellular stimuli influence cell motility and survival, with particular attention to breast cancer models.

Grants & Collaborations: She has secured funding from NSERC, Dairy Farmers of Canada, and the J.P. Bickell Foundation. Notable grants include investigating anti-atherogenic dairy components (2013) and environmental toxins in breast cancer (2008–2011).

Education Contributions: Teaches courses such as Human Genetics, Cell Biology, and Research in Applied Biosciences. She pioneered virtual learning tools for nutrition education, including a functional foods animation project (2006–2008).

Advising: Supervised four master’s students, including studies on fermented dairy’s anti-inflammatory effects, endosulfan’s impact on breast cancer cells, and RANKL regulation in cancer models.

Labs & Teams: Leads a multidisciplinary lab integrating molecular biology, cancer research, and educational innovation. Collaborates with institutions like the Ontario Cancer Institute and Princess Margaret Hospital.