Dr. Jim Uniacke

Professor

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Biography

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 changes, particularly in cancer. Utilizing the unicellular alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii as a model organism, he investigates the spatial organization of mRNAs and proteins during cellular stress. His doctoral studies at Concordia University, under the supervision of Dr. William Zerges, laid the groundwork for pioneering discoveries in organelle biogenesis and mRNA localization. As a Terry Fox Postdoctoral Fellow in Dr. Stephen Lee's lab at the University of Ottawa, he studied the mechanisms by which hypoxia influences mRNA translation in human diseases like cancer, revealing how cancer cells exploit unique protein synthesis pathways to thrive in low-oxygen environments. Uniacke's laboratory is dedicated to understanding how alternative cap-binding proteins facilitate translation during stress conditions and their implications in tumorigenesis. A strong proponent of training the next generation of scientists, he actively engages graduate and undergraduate students in cutting-edge research within the evolving field of molecular biology and biochemistry.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

2016-09-01 — Present

University of Guelph • Guelph, ON

Leading research and education in the field of Molecular and Cellular Biology.

Requirements for University of Guelph

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:21
Reading
Required:21
Writing
Required:21
Speaking
Required:21
Total
Required:89
Prerequisites
Honours baccalaureate degree in a relevant field or DVM degree Identify a potential faculty advisor
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Official transcripts
  • Two academic reference assessments
  • Statement of interest
  • English language proficiency test results (if applicable)
Specialization Notes

Department of Clinical Studies. Offers MSc by thesis (2 years) and MSc by coursework (1 year).