James was born in Portsmouth and grew up there, Brunei and finally Bristol.  He completed a MChem (Hons) degree at Brasenose College, University of Oxford and graduated in 2011.  He spent two summers (2009 and 2010) at the University of Bristol under the supervision of Dr. Craig Murray and his fourth year at Oxford University under the supervision of Prof. Gus Hancock studying gas-phase reaction dynamics.

He is now a PhD student within the Bristol Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, working with Dr. Charl Faul and Prof. Heinrich Hoerber investigating the use of reversible redox reactions of tetraaniline-based materials for high-density data storage using scanning tunnelling microscopy.  This work takes place using the UHV-SPM situated in the basement of the NSQI building, making use of the ultra-low noise environment there.

Outside of the lab, James enjoys reading, playing rugby and brewing beer.