Chase Kasper
Director of Business Development
Clemson University Research Foundation
AUTM Annual Meeting Program Committee
AUTM Member since 2005
What do you do to relax?
 
No question here: tennis. I play a lot of tennis, and it helps me recharge. It is more than my “home away from home” – the tennis court is my temple.
 
If you could make a documentary about anything, what would it be about and why?
 
Although this would be virtually impossible, I’d like to make a documentary based on the “lost years” of Jesus Christ, from ages 13-30, because no one really knows about them.
 
What’s the best birthday present you’ve ever received?
 
Living to see each birthday has been the best present. I love the life I’ve been given.
 
If you could only have three apps on your smartphone, which would you pick?
Prior to COVID, when I traveled a lot, I would have said, “Delta Airlines, Marriott, and Uber.” Today? It varies wildly. At the moment, I’d have to say “Dunkin’ Donuts, YouTube, and E*trade,” but that could change tomorrow.
 
What’s something new you’ve learned about yourself in the last three months?
Many things – many of them small - and no more or less than many have us learned about ourselves during these unusual times. If I had to say one thing, I have better patience than I seem to recall having previously –not “good,” just “better.”
 
What’s your favorite sport to watch? Which team do you root for in it, and why?
It would be easy to say tennis, but watching it makes me want to go out and play it. There are many players I enjoy watching, but my top two are John McEnroe and Roger Federer.
 
What’s one of your favorite memories?
In February 1981, I attended a Bruce Springsteen concert while he was on “The River” tour with the E Street Band. I’d been a fan for a bit over a year and couldn’t believe he was touring in my town. It was a four-hour concert in a basketball arena. From the opening moments of “Prove It All Night” to the three (!!!) encores which ended with “Born to Run” and his famous Detroit Medley, the crowd was exhilarated - and exhausted when the show finally concluded slightly after midnight. For me, the experience was transformative.
 
What location(s) is on your travel bucket list, and why?
All England Club Wimbledon for the mystique of tennis; Victoria Falls for the beauty and power of nature; and Vatican City for the faith, history and architecture.
 
What do you love about being on AUTM’s committees?
No question, it’s getting to meet others in the profession and work towards a common goal. To say “networking” would be underselling it - I have developed many valuable friendships working on AUTM committees through the years.
 
What’s one thing you’re currently trying to learn about Tech Transfer?
What will the future of technology transfer look like as we incorporate even greater diversity – in all its forms - into the profession. I believe tech transfer will require constant learning as it is perpetually and rapidly evolving – incorporating multiple disciplines and skill sets. And that’s why I love it.