Austin Smothers has spent his academic and professional career helping build something truly unique at Clemson University. As the Director of Operations and Acting Executive Director of the Research and Education in Disease Diagnosis and Intervention (REDDI) Lab, Austin sits at the intersection of science, leadership and strategy. Alongside REDDI Lab founder Dr. Delphine Dean, an incredible staff, and supportive collaborators, Austin and his team are guiding one of the university’s most impactful research and clinical assets through its next phase of growth.
Austin is also a Research Assistant Professor in Clemson’s Department of Bioengineering, the same department from which he earned his Ph.D. His research background is rooted in novel radiation therapy approaches for treating triple-negative breast cancer. However, his journey with the REDDI Lab began not in leadership, but during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when he joined the lab as a technician. Over time, he advanced from Operations Manager to Director, taking on increasing responsibility for the lab’s day-to-day operations and long-term vision.
Following Austin Smothers’ appointment as Director of the REDDI Lab in July, he began working closely with university leadership to chart a clear and sustainable path forward for the lab. One of his first strategic conversations was with Robert Donato, Clemson University’s Chief Strategy Officer, to explore how the REDDI Lab could more effectively market its services internally and develop a long-term business plan centered on financial independence and self-sustainability. Drawing on his experience with similar initiatives, Donato suggested engaging MBA students and graduates to conduct a comprehensive set of economic, strategic and market-based analyses. Following this recommendation, Austin and the REDDI Lab partnered with Jamie Patterson, who played a pivotal role in translating the project scope into an opportunity for MBA students. Jamie shared the project widely within the MBA program, emphasizing the rare chance to gain hands-on experience in strategic management within what is essentially a start-up organization operating in the clinical diagnostics space.
With Jamie’s support, an exceptional project team was assembled, including Dr. René Schmauder, Ian Ammons, Mario Smith, Sandra Carlin, and Benjamin Lau. Together, the team conducted comprehensive financial analyses grounded in the REDDI Lab’s existing testing capabilities, while also exploring additional internal and external revenue opportunities. Their work culminated in a detailed strategic business plan designed to guide the lab toward financial sustainability while preserving its mission as a not-for-profit entity. The team presented their findings and recommendations to Provost Robert Jones and Doug Hallenbeck, Clemson University’s Vice President for Student Affairs. Reflecting on the project, Smothers expressed profound gratitude to Donato, Patterson, and the entire MBA team for their dedication and professionalism. Having spent his academic and professional career helping to build the REDDI Lab from the ground up, he found it especially meaningful to see others invest such care and effort into its future. Smothers also acknowledged the broader impact of the MBA program itself, which made this collaboration possible. He also would like to express gratitude to René and Ian for acting as the internal leadership of the team. By connecting students with real-world challenges faced by Clemson University assets, the program delivers great value to participants.
