James is a PhD candidate, under the supervision of Emily Remnant and Alyson Ashe. His PhD project focuses on using RNA interference (RNAi) to identify the host specificity of replicating viruses in the parasitic mite Varroa destructor, and its honey bee host, Apis mellifera. He also is investigating the molecular mechanisms of Varroa destructor‘s antiviral immune system with RNAi knockdowns.
James completed his Honours with the BEE lab in 2022, where his thesis identified replicating viruses in Varroa with RNAi.