James obtained his PhD from Albany Medical College in the Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics under the mentorship of Dr. Stanley Glick. He also holds an advanced degree in Biomedical Ethics from the Alden March Bioethics Institute. After completing postdoctoral training at the Pennsylvania State College of Medicine, he established Emerald Coast Research. Having published with the Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Dr. Polston is knowledgeable in several areas of basic and clinical research. He is also an expert in plant-based therapeutics, after spending almost two decades investigating several possible treatments and working with some of the largest cannabis companies in the world. When he is not behind the computer analyzing data or reviewing a manuscript, James enjoys golfing and fishing, and can often be found on his small boat exploring the New Zealand coastlines.

Carolyn obtained her PhD in Neuroscience from the Pennsylvania State College of Medicine. She then went on to complete her postdoctoral training at the University of Pennsylvania. She also holds an advanced degree in Cognitive Psychology and training in Positive Psychology. She is a Founding Member of Emerald Coast Research. Prior to moving to New Zealand, she was an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of West Florida where she enjoyed educating and mentoring students. Having received many awards and distinctions over the years, Dr. Pritchett is very experienced in delivering on expectations, and carries a tremendous amount of enthusiasm throughout every step of the scientific process. In her free time, Carolyn enjoys yoga, cooking, hiking, and spending time in nature.