John Paul Fallon
I build sensor-integrated devices that have to hold up outside of the lab, which usually means being the person who understands the mechanical, electrical, biological, and software sides well enough to own all of them at once. For the last two years that was prosthetic sockets, ankle-foot orthoses, and rehabilitation devices worn by real people for weeks at a time: mechanical design, embedded C, and the data pipelines that turned weeks of field data into the next design decision.
Before that it was a supercritical CO2 reactor for carbon-capture MOF synthesis, prestressed nano-tensegrity structures, a sonar mount for a research vessel, an electric moto GP bike, and research on the future of technology in collegiate athletics.
I grew up in Seattle. I value reciprocity, especially between my day job and everything else: sewing reworked garments, staying active, and 3D printing everything from redesigned hardware to pieces I design and sell myself.
Experience
- Developed and validated wearable, non-invasive sensor-integrated devices for Achilles tendinopathy rehabilitation and adaptive prosthetic socket systems with closed-loop feedback control, utilizing signal processing, physiological signal acquisition, biomechanical modeling (MATLAB/Python), sensor characterization, and 3D scanning (FARO CMM)
- Conducted 100+ user studies across in-lab and multi-week take-homes; built automated data pipelines to derive behavioral metrics and evaluate device and controller performance across diverse users and real-world conditions
- Co-authored manuscripts in preparation and contributed to 6 patent applications as a named inventor; created cross-functional data visualizations translating complex sensor findings for clinical and engineering audiences
- Managed lab operations and led 5 undergraduate researchers across 3 concurrent device development projects, building shared fixtures, manufacturing processes, calibration protocols, and repeatable experimental workflows the team relied on, providing technical direction from mechanical and experimental design through data analysis
- Designed and built a continuous-flow reactor for MOF synthesis using supercritical CO₂, solving multi-phase flow and injection stability challenges to successfully synthesize HKUST-1
- Developed and conducted Abaqus simulation procedures for prestressed nano-tensegrity architectures
- Evaluated FEA results from compressive lab experiment trials to validate new mechanical theory
- Manufactured sonar array transducers and CNC-milled parts and executed individual structural design projects
- Designed, manufactured, installed, and validated a dynamic sonar mount for a research vessel's submersible sensor frame
Managed dock operations team of 5+ employees, trained new staff, performed fleet maintenance on 25+ electric vessels, and conducted emergency response operations in a fast-paced, high-pressure marine environment.
Hands-on experience in machine learning, deep learning, and generative AI technologies including LLMs, transformers, and NLP applications using Python, TensorFlow, and PyTorch.
View CertificateResearched and designed a new aluminum frame using SolidWorks and ANSYS FEA analysis to compete in the AHRMA Lightning Series.
Selected as a freshman for an 11-member research team developing sports performance tracking devices.
Education
- Relevant coursework: Musculoskeletal Biomechanics (graduate), Systems Dynamics Analysis & Design, Finite Element Analysis, Composite Materials Design, Scientific Computing, Mechanics of Materials
- International Baccalaureate diploma with 7 IB exam credits earned
- Higher Level: Psychology, Language & Literature, History
- AP Statistics (score: 5); Spanish through Level 5
- 101 Club Scholar-Athlete Award recipient
Skills
Beyond Engineering
Rooftop football in Amsterdam
Hiking in the Pacific Northwest
Exploring Joshua Tree
Upcycled bag from Delta overalls
Building downlit deck railing
Mushroom merch for a friend's brand
Rooftops in Seoul
Crossing the stage at UW
IMA championship W in Husky Stadium
Thanks for reading. Let's make something.