About Us

Our team.

The engineers, designers, and researchers behind ALT's work. You'll always work directly with the people actually building your project.

Portrait of ALT's founder
Our founder.

Dr. Jonathon Barton.

Founder & President
Ph.D., Material Science · UC Santa Barbara

ALT is led by Dr. Jonathon Barton, a distinguished scientist with a robust academic background and extensive industry experience. His academic journey culminated in 2004, when he earned his Ph.D. in Material Science from the University of California, Santa Barbara. His doctoral research focused on advanced materials and their applications, giving him a rigorous foundation in theoretical knowledge and hands-on research.

Throughout his career, Dr. Barton has shown a remarkable ability to bridge multiple scientific disciplines, working across materials science, additive manufacturing, optoelectronics, biotechnology, and engineering.

A central focus of his work is the creation of anatomical models and synthetic tissues — critical for medical training, surgical planning, and testing new medical devices and procedures. By developing more realistic and functional synthetic tissues, his team is helping reduce reliance on animal testing and cadaveric specimens, while providing more consistent, ethically sound alternatives for medical education and research. His expertise also extends to the embedded electronics and sensors that drive advanced anatomical robots and prosthetics, where synthetic tissues are embedded to enhance the life-like exterior.

The people

A multidisciplinary team.

At ALT, Dr. Barton has assembled a diverse and dynamic team that reflects the multidisciplinary nature of the company's work — and the variety of its background and perspectives fosters a creative, innovative environment.

Bioengineering

Bioengineers

Expertise in tissue engineering, biomaterials, and cellular biology — essential for developing practical applications of ALT's advanced materials and additive manufacturing processes.

Mechanical

Mechanical Engineers

Knowledge of material properties, structural design, and manufacturing processes — turning advanced materials into reliable, manufacturable parts.

Electrical

Electrical Engineers

Integration of electronic components with biological systems and advanced materials — particularly relevant to the development of sensors and optoelectronic devices.

Software & AI

Software Engineers

Data analysis, modeling, and simulation of complex systems, plus artificial intelligence and machine learning for advanced control methodologies.

Materials

Material Science Engineers

The backbone of many ALT projects — in-depth knowledge of material properties, synthesis techniques, and characterization, spanning from nanomaterials to bulk composites.

Impact

Pushing boundaries

Under Dr. Barton's leadership, ALT continues to push the limits of materials science and biotechnology — work with the potential to revolutionize healthcare, electronics, aerospace, and beyond.

Rooted in our community.

From affordable prosthetics to internships, local prototyping, and supporting Cottage Hospital during the pandemic — we believe our success is tied to the wellbeing of Santa Barbara. See how we give back.

See our community involvement →