James attended the 2007-2008 Masters program at ISU's central campus in Strasbourg, graduating with a Masters of Science in Space Management. He also holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Integrated Engineering from the University of British Columbia. He assisted with planning and activities for the ISU Summer Session Program at UBC in 2005.
James has worked in the space and aviation sectors in a number of roles. Currently he works for the European Space Agency as a Young Graduate Trainee on the Vega launch vehicle test flight program, VERTA, where he provides cost, economic and risk analysis. Prior to joining ESA, he worked for Odyssey Moon Limited, an entrepreneurial venture led by ISU co-founder Dr. Robert Richards with the goal of providing low-cost robotic access to the moon. During his work with Odyssey Moon, he participated in projects in collaboration with NASA and the Canadian Space Agency, as well as contributing to several in-house initiatives. His experience in the aviation industry includes work in the project management office at Avcorp Industries, a major Canadian jet aircraft assembly manufacturer, and as a military programs engineer at ACROHELIPRO Global Services, now Vector Aerospace, a leading provider of maintenance, repair and overhaul services for fixed and rotary wing aircraft.
James enjoys travelling, SCUBA diving, and is always looking for ways to increase the level of space-related activity in his home town of Vancouver.