Who we are
ASU Research Enterprise is led by an experienced, flexible, and dedicated team.
The ASURE team is comprised of a diverse group of professionals with backgrounds in research and development, engineering, rapid prototyping, test and evaluation, project management, customer service, government contracting, contingency operations, and security management. Our team is dedicated to supporting ASU’s mission and delivering unrivaled service to our customers.
Scott Smas
Managing Director, ASURE (ASU Research Enterprise)
Scott Smas is the Managing Director at ASURE.
An experienced leader in higher education and applied research.
His career spans growth roles leading research enterprises and academic partnerships across government, industry, and universities. He has secured significant federal funding, including more than $65 million in proposals and $18 million in awards in FY 2025. He is skilled in standing up and scaling entrepreneurial research operations, ensuring compliance with government contracting, and delivering measurable outcomes.
His portfolio includes other transaction authority (OTA), broad agency announcements (BAA), and a range of research contracts that drive revenue and impact. Smas has a strong record of recruiting, retaining, and leading diverse, high-performing teams, fostering collaboration, accountability, and scientific excellence. He engages effectively with senior government officials, industry leaders, and university faculty to advance institutional priorities and expand impact.
He leverages a robust network across commercial and governmental space sectors to translate strategy into results. He has BS in Accounting from University of Phoenix.