Stephanie

Abstract:
Hardware and Software are often thought of as two separate worlds in the way we design prototypes, products, and systems. Yet, closer examination reveals that each discipline offers processes, methodologies, and tools that can strengthen the other. Furthermore, recognizing the strengths and weaknesses of each discipline, and our selected implementations, enables more robust system-level design decisions. In fact, we already rely on this interplay more than we realize, as with hardware watchdogs enhancing protection against software faults. By understanding and intentionally leveraging the complementary capabilities of each domain, we can design systems that anticipate faults, recover gracefully, and ultimately perform more reliably in the real world.

Biography:

Stephanie is the Founder and Principal Consultant at Via Product Development, which supports teams in bringing hardware products from concept to commercialization. 
She has led numerous complex and regulated projects from early concept through manufacturing handoff across diverse sectors including electro-optical systems, medical devices, defense and industrial technologies, IoT, consumer, and wellness products.
With experience spanning early-stage startups, engineering roles at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, and leadership as a Director at a Product Development firm, Stephanie is well-versed in navigating the challenges of product development- including the critical “valley of death” between prototype and production.
She holds a BSE from Duke University and completed the Harvard HealthTech Fellowship, where she focused intensively on medical innovation. She has also served as a commercialization collaboration advisor to tough tech startups in MIT Engine’s Blueprint Accelerator.