BSc, MSc

James works with Onaya as a Research Assistant. With a background in Biochemistry and Translational Neuroscience, he is interested in the intersection of brain, behaviour, and mental health.

He completed his BSc at Sheffield Hallam University and an MSc at the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield. His academic training has fostered a focus on the biological mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders and the potential for novel therapeutic interventions.

At Onaya, James has supported in-field data collection in Peru for participants in ayahuasca ceremonies. He contributes to projects exploring the effects of ayahuasca on PTSD in military veterans, analyses changes in psychometric outcomes following ceremonial use, and contributed in developing Towards Safer Psychedelic Retreats in collaboration with the Yorenka Tasorentsi Institute.

James strongly believes in the power of psychedelics to heal, teach, and benefit people. He is passionate about working full-time in this field, contributing to the knowledge base, and being part of this community into the future. Outside of work, he has been climbing for 20 years and can most commonly be found clinging to a rockface in the middle of nowhere. He is deeply guided by his connection to the earth, his ancestors, and the multitude of life that inhabits this beautiful rotating ball of rock and water.