Nicholas James, PhD, joined the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology in April 2009. He received his PhD in biochemistry from the University of Vermont. Dr. James’ PhD and postdoctoral research primarily focused on the application of fluorescence methodologies to study protein dynamics both in vitro and in live cells. He continues using fluorescence microscopy methods, specifically fluorescence fluctuation spectroscopy, to study proteins involved in neurodegenerative diseases. Dr. James’ research focuses on measuring the oligomeric state of LRRK2, expressed as a fusion protein attached to a fluorescent protein, in cells in the hopes of correlating the oligomeric state with kinase activity. The results of these experiments should allow for the development of a high-throughput assay aimed at screening inhibitors of LRRK2 and identification of kinase targets of LRRK2.