James Bevington

• Founded and runs a research institute developing methane fingerprinting technology 
• Designed, developed, and led efforts on three experiments flown to the International Space Station 
• Coordinated project teams across three continents and 11 stakeholders requiring strong time, resource and risk management skills and cross-cultural communication 
• Led a crew of six on a eight-month, NASA-funded simulated mission to Mars where the only contact to the outside world was extremely limited. 

James has an extensive background in technology, having created and utilised cutting-edge technologies for research and development. For example, he leveraged 3D printing to reduce the costs of a spaceflight experiment and implemented machine learning to improve a biotechnology process. He has worked across many disciplines including engineering, biotechnology, aerospace, agriculture and environmental sciences.

While on the 2017 simulated mission to Mars James led a team of six in total isolation for eight months on technical aspects and interpersonal relationships. The 40 minute communication delay to the outside world meant the team had to communicate strongly and be fairly self-sufficient. Despite the challenges, they developed a cohesive, productive team that exceled at diverse technical tasks, adapted to unexpected challenges, and delivered on mission goals.

James holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of New South Wales, a Master of Science in Space studies from the International Space University, a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering from the University of Georgia and a Bachelor of Science in Biosystems Engineering (agricultural) from the University of Tennessee.

James enjoys mountain biking and the beach. He loves to travel and has lived in the US, Italy, France, Australia and the South Pole.