Her academic career, which spans 26 years, has seen her hold various leadership roles in the New Zealand university sector.

She is currently Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at the University of Waikato, and previously was the Deputy Dean (Research) and Associate Dean (Research) in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Auckland.

Professor James has also been recognised for her teaching with an Auckland University Engineering Alumni Teaching Excellence Award, an Ako Aotearoa National Tertiary Teaching Excellence Award, and a University of Auckland award for Sustained Excellence in Teaching.

As Provost, Professor James will be Te Herenga Waka’s chief academic officer. She will be responsible for driving the highest standards of academic excellence across the University, and providing strategic participatory leadership to Deans and all academic, teaching, learning and research activities.

Professor James gained her PhD in Materials Engineering from the University of Auckland, and her Bachelor of Engineering with Honours from the University of Bath in the United Kingdom.

Her research interests have moved from traditional areas of materials engineering to the intersection of materials, food and nutrition.

Professor James starts her role at Te Herenga Waka on Monday 2 October 2023.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Nic Smith says that Professor James will be a fantastic addition to Te Herenga Waka’s senior leadership group.

“Professor James understands the pivotal role the Provost plays, and I look forward to working alongside her again as we move through an uncertain time in the tertiary education sector in Aotearoa New Zealand.”

Professor James says: "I truly believe in the positive change that universities make to this country and I am honoured to be joining Te Herenga Waka.  With its great strengths in research and teaching, and a long history of civic engagement, this feels like the right place at the right time to really contribute to addressing the challenges facing the sector at the moment."