Etienne Nichols is a Medical Device Guru and Mechanical Engineer who loves learning and teaching how systems work together. He has both manufacturing and product development experience, even aiding in the development of combination drug-delivery devices, from startup to Fortune 500 companies and holds a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. Having managed cross-functional teams to update designs of legacy products, Etienne understands the pain of following the Design Controls process in paper-based QMS environment. His expansive knowledge, experience, and passion with medical devices is evenly matched with how much he enjoys helping customers work efficiently through the design and development process to bring safe, high quality products to market.

Chris Idelson, PhD, is the Chief Technology Officer and co-founder of ClearCam Inc., where he leads R&D, quality, regulatory, manufacturing, and product development efforts. With a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from UT Austin, his research directly led to the creation of ClearCam's flagship product, advancing the company's mission to improve the standard of care in laparoscopic visualization and surgery.

Chris is driven by a commitment to solving healthcare challenges and fostering continuous growth. His dedication to advancing and commercializing medical technology is evident through his involvement in prestigious programs such as MedTech Innovator and NSF I-Corps. He is also passionate about elevating the Texas Triangle health innovation ecosystem, demonstrated by his broad engagement with organizations like UT Austin, UT San Antonio, Nucleate, the Entrepreneurs Future Network, and a number of other organizations and startups.

Quality Professional with 36 years business experience in Medical Devices.
•Extensive experience in Regulated Industry Requirements (FDA, QSR, ISO, EN) with Class I, II, and III Medical Devices. (Johnson & Johnson Products, Ethicon, Johnson & Johnson Medical, Ethicon Endo Surgery, Johnson & Johnson Quality and Compliance Services, Medtronic Neuromodulation, Medtronic Cardiac Rhythm Disease Management, Stryker Instruments)
•Experienced in developing and implementing Quality Systems in rapidly growing, highly competitive markets to meet Regulatory and Customer Requirements.
•Proven record of identifying, coaching, mentoring, and promoting high potential talent.
•Proven track record in preventing, mitigating, troubleshooting, or solving Quality issues by providing new or innovative solutions to meet Regulatory and Customer needs.
•Experienced in multi-site / multi-national operations.
•Proven developer of High Performing, Interdependent Teams.
•Demonstrated Quality leadership in the integration of acquired or merged franchises.
•Experienced Professional in Quality Sciences in the areas of Quality Systems, ISO, Quality System Regulation, Statistical Techniques, and Process Excellence (Six Sigma).

Specialties: Medical Devices (Class I,II,III)
ISO Regulations for Medical Devices (ISO 13485 - version 2016)
FDA Regulations (21CFR Part 820)