The University of Utah, one of the nation’s leading research universities, announces the appointment of Brigadier General (U.S.A., Ret.) Paul Peters as the new executive director of the Applied Medical & Engineering (AM&E) lab.
Peters brings over 30 years of military leadership experience, including more than 25 years in the U.S. Army Special Operations community, where he led complex operations in challenging environments around the world. Most recently, Peters served as a general officer, commanding large-scale organizations and managing multidisciplinary teams.
An alumnus of the University of Utah, Peters returns to the institution with a deep commitment to advancing applied research and innovation to help support the warfighting readiness of the armed forces. In his new role, he will oversee the strategic direction and daily operations of the AM&E Lab, joining Colonel (Ret.) Jim McDonough, executive director of the AM&E Lab’s Department of Defense research portfolio, and Dr. Austin Johnson, medical director.
Peters’ appointment supports the AM&E Lab’s mission to pioneer solutions at the intersection of medical and engineering research. His experience in project management, organizational leadership, and collaborative innovation will help drive the lab’s continued growth and impact.
“We are pleased to welcome Paul Peters back to the University of Utah,” said Dr. Erin Rothwell, Vice President for Research at the U. “His leadership and expertise will be invaluable as we expand our research initiatives and strengthen our partnerships.”
“Delivering care in remote and austere environments requires innovation that bridges the gap between the lab and the field,” said Johnson. “With Paul’s leadership, we’re poised to accelerate the translation of research into lifesaving solutions for those who need it most.”
Colonel (Ret.) McDonough added, “Paul brings a wealth of operational experience to our team. His understanding of the real-world challenges faced by military and medical professionals will help us ensure our work delivers practical impact—on the battlefield and beyond.”
With Peters at the helm, the AM&E Lab is uniquely positioned to advance its mission of delivering innovative solutions for military and civilian health challenges. The University of Utah looks forward to a new era of leadership, collaboration, and impact under his direction.
About the University of Utah
The University of Utah is the state’s flagship higher education institution and a member of the Association of American Universities. Ranked #1 public university in the West by the Wall Street Journal, the U delivers unmatched value in higher education and health care while contributing to social, economic, and cultural advancement statewide and beyond.
About the Applied Medical & Engineering (AM&E) Lab
The AM&E Lab is here to help those in the toughest conditions—including remote, rural, and austere environments. By uniting medical, engineering, and industry experts, the lab accelerates the development of lifesaving technologies and devices that perform where they’re needed most—from military field care to rural hospitals. With a focus on real-world impact, AM&E bridges research and deployment, strengthening health systems in the most challenging settings.