James Rutherford
Academic and research departments
Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences, Section of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences, Institute for Sustainability.About
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. After which he took up a teaching focused role in physiology at London Metropolitan University. James joined the University of Surrey in October 2023 to undertake a PhD, investigating the potential of insect protein as a sustainable protein source for supporting human skeletal muscle. He's a Fellow of the Institute for Sustainability at the University of Surrey.
My qualifications
Affiliations and memberships
ResearchResearch interests
James’ research interests lie in the area of 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. With the production of animal protein coming at a significant environmental cost, James hopes to discover sustainable alternative protein sources that provide the same benefits to skeletal muscle as their animal counterparts. James is also interested in evidence-based bodybuilding, exercise immunology and nutritional strategies for ground close combat soldiers.
Research interests
James’ research interests lie in the area of 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. With the production of animal protein coming at a significant environmental cost, James hopes to discover sustainable alternative protein sources that provide the same benefits to skeletal muscle as their animal counterparts. James is also interested in evidence-based bodybuilding, exercise immunology and nutritional strategies for ground close combat soldiers.
Teaching
James’ teaching interests include exercise physiology and performance nutrition. His specialist areas include body composition assessment, metabolic testing, protein metabolism, bodybuilding/physique competition and military nutrition.