James is a passionate web3 practitioner, researcher, and educator. Since his introduction to blockchain in 2015, he has developed several decentralized applications across various platforms/networks and architected protocols such as regularized Nakamoto proof-of-stake. James serves as a faculty member at Rice University where he teaches an introductory blockchain course for undergraduate and graduate students that combines the technical and business impacts of decentralized ledger technologies. He believes that blockchain and distributed ledger technology will be the cornerstone of the next iteration of the internet and that such a revolution should be to the benefit of all through the perspective of blockchain as a digital trust commons. Previously, James co-founded Topl, a novel layer-one protocol for building sustainable and inclusive communities. While at Topl, he led the teams responsible for the engineering and research efforts in implementing the Topl protocol. James holds a Ph.D. in ultracold atomic physics where his thesis work focused on the exploration of exotic halo molecules created by laser cooling strontium atoms. When not in meetings or at a keyboard, James is an avid cyclist and enjoys criterium racing, long hours in the saddle, and the quiet peace of the open road.