Research
James has participated in numerous archaeological field projects, which include surveys in Sturgeon Bay, WI; Thunder Bay, MI; St. Charles, MO; the Gulf of Mexico; St. John, USVI; Cape Hatteras, NC; the Black Sea; the Virginia Capes; and the Monitor National Marine Sanctuary. His research interests include the degradation of wreck sites in marine environments and improving underwater mapping technology. His other interests include maritime history and ship construction from the 19th century to the World War II era, artifact conservation, and educational outreach.
Currently at GSO, James is researching the development of on-site corrosion analyses of iron and steel shipwrecks located in deep water environments. Data retrieved from these studies may then be applied to infer the degradation behavior of deep sea wrecks in various locations, including the northern Atlantic Ocean, southern Pacific Ocean, and the Gulf of Mexico. His major professor is Dr. Robert Ballard, and other committee members include Dr. Rod Mather, Dr. Richard Brown, Dr. Al Hanson, and Dr. Gordon Watts. He has also participated in survey work under the supervision of Dr. Brad Rodgers, Dr. Annalies Corbin, and Dr. John Broadwater.
