Stephen Howerton has over 9 years of experience in the medical device and biopharmaceutical industry. After receiving a degree in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Arizona, he started his career as a research engineer in an academic biomechanical research laboratory leading the study of the mechanical differences in glaucoma between ethnicities and races. After, he began his industry career as a design engineer in California, developing single-use equipment for the biopharmaceutical industry and supporting customers in the field. During that time the role expanded to supporting manufacturing and receiving six sigma black belt training with multiple continuous improvement projects that increased process efficiencies. He went on to work as a project engineer in the advanced operations group at a medical device company that focused on new product introduction, manufacturing line transfers, site closures, and contract manufacturing management. He joined SynCardia in 2021, where he leads the operations team in optimizing processes and ensuring patients are supported.