James is a second year postdoctoral associate in the Psychiatry department in the laboratory of Susanne Ahmari, MD, PhD. James received his BA in biology from the University of Central Arkansas and his PhD in neurobiology from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. His dissertation work focused on using high speed calcium imaging to study oscillatory activity in rat pedunculopontine and parafascicular neurons. His mentor was Edgar Garcia-Rill, PhD. 

James’ current project focuses on using in vivo calcium imaging to study striatal neuron activity in relation to perseverative behaviors associated with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). James spends his spare time woodworking and working with the local maker space, HackPittsburgh.