Beyond The Screen: 5 Revelations About Carrie James, The Harvard Sociologist And Ex-Wife Of NCIS Star Sean Murray

Carrie James is a fascinating figure who has successfully navigated the worlds of high-level academic research, entrepreneurship, and public life. As of December 2025, the most significant personal news surrounding her is the finalization of her divorce from longtime husband, *NCIS* actor Sean Murray, which concluded in May 2025 after 18 years of marriage. However, to define her solely by her celebrity connection would be a profound oversight, as her professional life is marked by groundbreaking work at one of the world's most prestigious institutions, making her a leading voice in the conversation about youth and technology.

This article dives deep into the dynamic career and personal journey of Carrie James, Ph.D., exploring her pivotal role at Harvard, her influential publications, and her entrepreneurial ventures that empower women in business. Her life story is one of a dedicated sociologist and activist committed to understanding the complex "digital, moral, and civic lives" of young people in the 21st century.

Carrie James: Biography and Professional Profile

Carrie James, Ph.D., is an American sociologist, researcher, author, and entrepreneur. She is a Principal Investigator and Co-Director at Project Zero at the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE), where her work focuses on the intersection of youth, digital media, and ethical development.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

• Full Name: Carrie James Murray (often professionally cited as Carrie James, Ph.D.)
• Nationality: American
• Education:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Social Work (San Francisco State University)
  • Master’s Degree (Educational Leadership)
  • Doctorate (Sociology)
• Primary Occupation: Sociologist, Principal Investigator, Co-Director at Project Zero (Harvard University)
• Key Publications: *Behind Their Screens: What Teens are Facing (And Adults are Missing)* (Co-authored with Emily Weinstein) and *Disconnected: Youth, New Media, and the Ethics of Online Life*.
• Entrepreneurial Ventures: Founder and CEO of Business Relationship Alliance (BRA) and Events 4 Causes.
• Former Spouse: Sean Murray (*NCIS* actor)
• Marital Status: Divorced (Finalized May 2025)
• Children: Two (a daughter and a son)

1. The Shocking 2025 Divorce from NCIS Star Sean Murray

The biggest headline involving Carrie James in 2024 and 2025 was the dissolution of her long-term marriage to actor Sean Murray, who is best known for his role as Special Agent Timothy McGee on the hit CBS show *NCIS*.

The couple separated in March 2024, and James filed for divorce the following month. After over 18 years of marriage, the divorce was finalized in May 2025, bringing an end to one of Hollywood’s quieter, long-standing relationships. The news was a surprise to many fans, as the couple had often been portrayed as a stable and supportive pair, with Murray frequently praising James publicly.

Despite the separation, the focus remains on their co-parenting relationship for their two teenage children. While the public may have known her as "Sean Murray's wife," James’s own robust career and identity are now, more than ever, taking center stage, illustrating that her life extends far beyond her former spouse’s Hollywood fame.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

2. Carrie James is a Leading Authority on Digital Ethics at Harvard

Long before her personal life became a subject of public interest, Carrie James established herself as a serious and influential academic. She is a Principal Investigator and Co-Director of Project Zero at the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE), a research and development center that has been shaping educational theory for decades.

Her work at Project Zero is primarily housed within the Center for Digital Thriving, where she leads the Digital Dilemmas Project. This initiative, which ran from 2017 to 2025, works at the nexus of research and practice, focusing on the ethical issues young people face in their digital lives.

James's research explores complex topics such as digital citizenship, social media's impact on youth well-being, the development of empathy in online spaces, and the phenomenon of "young people's ethical disconnects." Her insights are crucial for parents, educators, and policymakers trying to navigate the rapid evolution of technology and its effect on the next generation.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

3. She Co-Authored the Bestselling Book *Behind Their Screens*

One of Carrie James’s most significant contributions to public discourse is her co-authored book, *Behind Their Screens: What Teens are Facing (And Adults are Missing)*. Written with fellow researcher Emily Weinstein, the 2022 book became a critical resource for understanding the true, often hidden, challenges teenagers face with social media and digital technology.

The book is based on years of qualitative research, challenging many of the common adult assumptions about teens' online behavior. It offers a nuanced look at the moral dimensions of their digital lives, moving past simple warnings to explore how teens manage issues like online reputation, digital drama, and the pressure to perform on platforms.

In addition to *Behind Their Screens*, James is also the sole author of the influential 2014 book *Disconnected: Youth, New Media, and the Ethics of Online Life*. Her extensive publication record establishes her as a preeminent voice on digital literacy and ethical development in the academic world.

4. Carrie James is a Dedicated Entrepreneur and Activist

Beyond her academic credentials, James is a successful entrepreneur and a committed activist, demonstrating a passion for empowering women and supporting philanthropic causes.

She is the founder and CEO of the Business Relationship Alliance (BRA). BRA is a professional network specifically designed for female entrepreneurs and business owners, providing a platform for connection, collaboration, and growth. Through this venture, James acts as a speaker and podcast host, fostering a community dedicated to women's success in the business world.

Furthermore, James's philanthropic spirit is evident in her founding of Events 4 Causes. This organization is dedicated to blending event planning with charity, successfully organizing large-scale events that raise money and awareness for various causes. This dual career path—balancing the rigor of a Harvard researcher with the dynamic demands of a business leader and activist—solidifies her status as a multi-talented professional.

5. Her Career Began as a Court Advocate and Teacher

Carrie James's current high-profile roles are built upon a foundation of direct, hands-on experience in social work and education.

Her career started as a court advocate, where she worked directly with individuals navigating the legal system, giving her early insight into social justice and advocacy. She then transitioned into the education system, working as a teacher in Los Angeles. This background in the classroom and in social work provided the necessary context and empathy for her later academic pursuits.

Her educational journey, which includes a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from San Francisco State University and a master's in Educational Leadership, reflects a lifelong commitment to improving the lives of others. This practical experience grounds her theoretical research at Harvard, giving her work a unique and highly applicable perspective on the challenges facing young people today.