James completed his Bachelor of Science and Master of Biotechnology at Monash University in 2023. His Master’s research thesis evaluated optimising the separation techniques of snake toxins and the pharmacological effects of these cytotoxic proteins.

James began his PhD in February 2024 at the Diabetes and Vascular Medicine laboratory, Baker Heart and Diabetes Research Institute under the supervision of Dr Michael Huang and Professor Alicia Jenkins. His project focuses on mitochondrial and genomic DNA biomarkers in people with diabetes, including with type 1 diabetes, and in relationship to long-term complications and responses to treatments. His research includes complementary clinical and basic science studies.

James enjoys running and cycling, as well as follows Australian and English football. He is also an avid house plant and cactus collector.