The Office of the Vice President for Research (VPR) at the University of Utah has named Dr. Jim McDonough, LP.D as Executive Director for the Applied Medical Engineering Lab (AME Lab).
McDonough began his new role on November. 18. He reports to Dr. Erin Rothwell, Vice President for Research.
As Executive Director, McDonough will work with Rothwell on realizing the vision and mission of the VPR’s research impact goals for growing the U’s Department of Defense (DOD) research portfolio and help lead, grow, and support the research activities on campus related to DOD funding.
When asked about his priorities as Executive Director, McDonough highlighted the importance of building a strong relationship with the DOD.
“This means a couple of things: creating an environment where university investigators see the DOD as a viable research partner, and to be of service to them as they pursue their interests,” he said. “It also means positioning the university as a trusted research partner to help the DOD address its evolving requirements in an increasingly complex national security environment. I want to help the university sustain its growth trajectory when it comes to meaningful research — and the DOD is the single greatest funder of research opportunities in our federal government.”
In his new role, McDonough will co-lead the AME Lab with Drs. Austin Johnson and Mike Kirby, providing strategic direction to ensure its success. He will also develop and implement a roadmap for securing DOD funding while supporting the AME Lab’s broader objectives.
Some of the strategic goals McDonough will be taking a lead on include executing a successful March 2025 Remote and Austere Conditions (RAC) Grand Challenge & Arctic Roundtable Symposium; launch a national AME Lab outreach campaign; form New Investigator Teams capable of accelerating the pursuit of DOD funding Opportunities; and raise funding to support the AME Lab.
“As our university’s research portfolio and community grow, we need leadership to help guide us in meeting and expanding our research goals,” said Rothwell. “Jim brings his leadership skills and training he received both in his professional and military career to the AME Lab, and I’m excited to see him elevate our DOD research portfolio to new heights.”
About Dr. McDonough
McDonough’s resume is an impressive one, to say the least. He graduated from State University of New York with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology. He later received Master of Arts degrees in Communications and Strategic Studies from Indiana University and United States War College, respectively. In 2022, McDonough received his Doctor of Law and Policy degree from Northeastern University in Boston.
A proud member of our nation’s military, Col. McDonough’s key military assignments include Speechwriter to the Secretary of the Army, Joint Operations Officer at The Pentagon; Senior Operations Officer, G3, Operation Iraqi Freedom, 32d Army Air & Missile Defense Command; and Commander, 3rd Battalion (PATRIOT), 43rd Air Defense Artillery.
Dr. McDonough’s professional career experience is extensive. Prior to his new role as Executive Director, McDonough was the Vice President of Corporate & Foundation Relations (CFR), and Government Grants for The Huntsman Mental Health Foundation & Family Office. He also served as the Chief Executive Officer of The Headstrong Project, a leading national mental health treatment provider for the nation’s members of the armed forces, veterans, and their families. Finally, McDonough previously served as Director of the New York State Division of Veterans’ Services; and Managing Director of the Syracuse University Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF).
For more information on the Applied Medical Engineering Lab, click here.
For more information on the VPR Office, click here.