Experience

Cascade Biocatalysts

• United States
• Chemical Manufacturing
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Cofounder and CSO

  • Dec 2022 - Present

  Denver, Colorado, United States Cascade Biocatalysts is creating more productive enzymes for economical biomanufacturing of sustainable chemicals. Cascade addresses the growing need for stable, long-lasting biocatalysts using our patent-pending enzyme immobilization platform. By combining nature’s catalyst, enzymes, with state-of-the-art materials, we can create something that is greater than the sum of its parts. Join us as we help build the future bioeconomy.



RIGID Biotech

• United States
• Biotechnology Research

• Founder

  • Nov 2020 - Dec 2022

  Denver, Colorado, United States Dissatisfied with the dearth of commercial options for enzyme immobilization, James founded Rigid Biotech in 2020. Each enzyme and application are unique, why use a one-size-fits-all solution? Our immobilization supports are tailored to your enzyme and application.



University of Colorado Boulder

• United States
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Graduate Student

  • Aug 2013 - Aug 2019

  Boulder Co Dissertation: Single-Molecule Protein Dynamics at the Solid-Liquid Interface Advisors: Profs. Joel L. Kaar and Daniel K. Schwartz Developed methods for high-throughput single-molecule imaging and statistical analysis to identify dynamic mechanisms of protein structure loss at solid-liquid interfaces. Employed knowledge of protein dynamics to engineer strategies for enzyme immobilization with high activity retention and improved stability. Utilized site-directed mutagenesis and non-natural… Show more Dissertation: Single-Molecule Protein Dynamics at the Solid-Liquid Interface Advisors: Profs. Joel L. Kaar and Daniel K. Schwartz Developed methods for high-throughput single-molecule imaging and statistical analysis to identify dynamic mechanisms of protein structure loss at solid-liquid interfaces. Employed knowledge of protein dynamics to engineer strategies for enzyme immobilization with high activity retention and improved stability. Utilized site-directed mutagenesis and non-natural amino acids for site-specific, bioorthogonal conjugation. Mentored four graduate and three undergraduate students. Show less



Carnegie Mellon University

• United States
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Student

  • Sep 2009 - Jun 2013

  Obtained a Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering with a GPA of 3.8.

• Research Assistant

  • Sep 2011 - May 2013

  Carnegie Mellon University Worked in the laboratory of Professor Kris Dahl developing high-throughput image analysis software for the quantification and statistical analysis of nuclear morphology from large datasets of fluorescent images. Performed mammalian cell culture, confocal fluorescence microscopy, and immunohistochemistry. Obtained funding to persue research full time over the summer. Work resulted in a publication in a peer-reviewed journal.



University of Pennsylvania

• United States
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Undergraduate Researcher

  • Jun 2011 - Aug 2011

  Philadelphia Participated in the Summer Undergraduate Research Program for Educating Research Scientists (SUPERS@PENN). Developed an energy-independent measurement of ionizing radiation and aided in the validation of a small animal radiation research platform.



Criterion Labs Inc.

• United States
• Environmental Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Lab Analyst

  • Jun 2010 - Aug 2010

  Bensalem, Pennsylvania Developed methods for the detection and quantification of polychlorinated biphenyls in complex sample matrices using gas chromatography. Identified and quantified of asbestos using polarized light and phase contrast microscopies.