Hi, I'm James Utton.
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I am a Mechanical Engineering and Physics student with a passion for solving complex, real-world problems. With a background in research, engineering, and software development, I bring a unique interdisciplinary approach to every project I undertake. I am deeply motivated by innovation, learning, and creating solutions that have real impact.
About
I am an Honors Mechanical Engineering and Physics student at the University of Utah Honors College with a 3.90 GPA. I'm passionate about research, mechanical design, and solving complex real-world problems. My experience spans biomechanical research, finite element modeling, CAD design, machine learning, and prototyping. I enjoy working at the intersection of engineering, medicine, and computation to develop innovative solutions. Outside of work, you'll find me climbing, hiking, mountain biking, or skiing.
- Programming: Python, MATLAB, C; Frameworks: TensorFlow, Keras, Simulink, PyTorch
- CAD: SOLIDWORKS (CSWA Certified), Fusion 360
- Modeling and Simulation: Abaqus, XFEM, FEBio
- Imaging: Segmentation, video tracking, strain and displacement analysis
- Prototyping and Test: 3D printing, machining, DAQ
Looking for an opportunity to work in a challenging position combining my skills in Mechanical Engineering, which provides professional development, interesting experiences and personal growth.
Experience
Retinal Damage Classification - Utah Head Trauma Lab
University of Utah
- Built a PyTorch CNN pipeline to classify retinal injury vs. control from noisy, low-resolution images and multi-frame TIFF stacks using a pretrained ResNet18
- Increased effective dataset size by sampling interior TIFF frames at a configurable stride and applying randomized flips/rotations/color jitter via a reproducible DataLoader
- Automated hyperparameter sweeps (batch size, learning rate, momentum) with per-run logging and best-checkpoint selection; achieved up to 0.93 validation accuracy (0.93 F1, 0.95 AUROC)
- Tools: Python, PyTorch, ResNet18
- Built MATLAB video-tracking pipeline; integrated displacement into 30+ FE models
- Designed and validated loading setups; led 150+ tests and improved model-to-test correlation; selected to present at SB3C 2025 on strain mapping and model validation
- Tools: MATLAB, FEBio, Finite Element Analysis
Projects
Structural Frame Design for Mechanical Engineering Capstone
- Designed the primary support frame for an elevator-style lift element; defined dead/live/dynamic load cases and sized members/joints to meet a target safety factor
- Verified stress and deflection with FEA; iterated geometry and connections to reduce mass while meeting stiffness and strength constraints
- Tools: SOLIDWORKS, FEA, Structural Analysis
Duration: August 2025 - December 2025
Abaqus XFEM Analysis for Applied FEA Course
- Built XFEM models for mode I and mixed-mode crack growth without remeshing; extracted ΔK metrics and the J-integral for crack-driving characterization
- Calibrated Paris law to ΔK histories; predicted fatigue life within 10% of benchmark data
- Automated sweeps of R-ratio, notch radius, and load spectra using Python (Abaqus Scripting Interface); generated da/dN–ΔK and S–N curves and cut solve time by 25% via selective output/submodeling
- Tools: Abaqus, XFEM, Python, FEA
Duration: May 2025 - August 2025
Presented research on strain mapping and model validation at ASME SB3C 2025
- Selected to present research findings at the 2025 SB3C Conference
- Highlighted advancements in strain mapping and model validation for organic brain structures
- Presented work on semi-automated trabecular tracking during cyclic inflation
Skills
Programming Languages
Frameworks & Libraries
CAD Software
SOLIDWORKS CSWA Certified
Modeling and Simulation
Methods: Extended Finite Element Method (XFEM)
Other Skills
Imaging: Segmentation, video tracking, strain and displacement analysis
Prototyping and Test: 3D printing, machining, DAQ
Education
University of Utah Honors College
Salt Lake City, Utah
Expected Graduation: May 2027
Degrees: Honors B.S. in Mechanical Engineering | Emphasis in Aerospace Engineering
Honors B.S. in Physics | Emphasis in Astronomy
GPA: 3.90 | Dean's List | Tau Beta Pi (ENGR) & Sigma Pi Sigma (PHYS) Honor Society
Leadership & Service
- ASUU Assembly Member, College of Engineering — Student government representative
- Vice-Chair, USAC, College of Science — Advise on curriculum and student feedback
- Volunteer Tutor, Bud Bailey — Tutor K–12 students in math and science