Jim Uniacke

Jim Uniacke is a Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Guelph. His research focuses on cellular adaptation to environmental stresses, particularly hypoxia, and how cancer cells exploit protein synthesis machinery under low oxygen conditions. He holds a B.Sc. and Ph.D. from Concordia University, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Ottawa as a Terry Fox Fellow.

Research interests include the role of eIF4E2 in hypoxic translation, cancer metabolism, and tumor microenvironment dynamics. Key findings have been featured in national media such as the CBC and National Post. His lab investigates translational control mechanisms in cancer progression and offers training in molecular biology and tumor modeling techniques.

Notable awards include the Terry Fox Postdoctoral Fellowship and Canadian Foundation for Innovation funding. Current projects explore hypoxia-driven cancer plasticity and therapeutic targeting of translation pathways. Students include Olivia Bebenek (Ph.D.), Jenna Goodbrand (M.Sc.), and others. Lab members use advanced techniques including 3D tumor spheroid models and polysome analysis.