James is completing his PhD in the field of Comparative Respiratory Physiology at The University of Western Australia. His research focuses on the creative solutions mother nature provides to problems still emerging. Currently, his project studies the relationship between hopping-mediated breathing in kangaroos and the strucutural design of the respiratory system accommodating the unique mechanism. The impact of extreme physiological conditions in humans have often found solutions in species that have adapted to survive under the same extreme conditions.

Outside of research, James is an advocate of mental health, women's health and sexual education. With the increasing volume of extreme news and rapid society changes, maintaining mental wellbeing is paramount. James aims to positively incorporate his values and to the best of his ability, provide productive discussions to develop safe workplaces for everyone.