James Rutherford

James Rutherford is a Sports Science Teaching Technician at the School of Human Sciences

James Rutherford

More about James Rutherford

James has a BSc (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Science, specialising in sports performance, and an MSc in Sport and Exercise Nutrition. James began his career in the fitness industry but soon transitioned into sports science practice. He spent time as a Body Composition Consultant at a medical clinic in the City of London, utilising X-ray scanning technology (DEXA) to assess body composition. He then entered academia, taking up a research position at the University of Exeter, investigating novel ergogenic aids for exercise performance and recovery. James is a Registered Scientist (RSci) with the Institute of Biomedical Science and also a UK Anti-Doping Accredited Advisor, providing education and guidance to athletes at all levels of competition about clean sport; especially regarding supplementation risks to avoid doping violations. Having previously competed as a bodybuilder at national level, James has a unique insight into the demands of physique competition and applying an evidence-informed approach to competition preparation. James joined the Sport Science and Therapy department in 2021 as a Sports Science Teaching Technician.

James’ teaching interests lie in the area of exercise physiology and performance nutrition. His specialist topics include body composition assessment, metabolic testing, dietary protein requirements, nutritional supplements, healthy ageing, and nutritional strategies for elite military personnel. James teaches practical lab sessions for all physiology modules on the various sports degree programmes at London Met.

James’ research interests relate to nutritional physiology, with a specific focus on dietary protein intake and skeletal muscle adaptation, especially amongst older people. Sustainable protein is a particular interest of his and he hopes to help identify novel non-animal protein sources that have similar effects on skeletal muscle as animal protein but have a much lower environmental impact associated with production.

James Rutherford
Sports Science Teaching Technician
j.rutherford@londonmet.ac.uk