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Transforming Fertility Through Science and Support

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Our Story

RSI was founded in 2009 by John Smothers and his late wife, inspired by their struggles with infertility.

While chairing the Lubbock Regional Bioscience Initiative, John was fortunate to meet Dr. Samuel Prien, Dr. Dustie Johnson, and Dr. Lindsay Penrose, and he was fascinated with their research into male infertility and, in particular, the methods used to collect and process sperm.

John, with the researchers as co-founders, licensed the technology from Texas Tech University.  Initially, RSI was a passion project, focused on research. In 2017, the company relaunched through the Texas Tech Innovation Hub's Accelerator program, securing grants that revived the dream of bringing their product to market.

In 2018, John's wife passed away after a long battle with cancer. Motivated by his promise to honor their dream, John took a leap of faith and dedicated himself full-time to growing RSI. Since then, RSI has remained steadfast in its mission to help with couples' fertility challenges.

John remains involved with RSI as a Board Member.

Published research demonstrating improved outcomes and sample integrity

Meet Our Team

Passionate Experts Behind Your Success

Meet the team driving progress in reproductive science and technology, backed by over 75 years of combined experience.

Sam Marple, MS

Chief Executive Officer

Men's health is Women's health

"Women have historically carried a disproportionate share of fertility treatment, even when male reproductive health plays a significant role. At RSI, we believe that recognizing and addressing men’s health is fundamental to creating a more balanced, effective approach to reproductive care."

Amanda Hanson

Executive Vice President of Scientific Strategy

Men's health is Women's health

Kellee Rice

Board Member
and Partner

Men's health is Women's health

Hannah Quattrocchi

People Operations and Quality Systems Manager

Men's health is Women's health

"Men’s health is women’s health because the well-being of the men in our lives - our husbands, fathers, brothers, and sons - directly impacts the women who love them. When men are healthy, supported, and cared for, families are stronger."

Lynette Guidry

Clinical Account Executive

Men's health is Women's health

"My partner’s well-being affects me just as much as it affects him. His appointments, daily habits, and overall health are things I care about and actively support. When he’s struggling, it impacts me too. In the context of creating life and experiencing infertility, men’s health and wellness are just as important as a woman’s, and focusing on it benefits the couple equally. I love that couples using our products can continue this health journey together, staying connected and supporting each other every step of the way."

Shyanne Simonson

Operations Specialist

Men's health is Women's health

"Advocating for women’s health means telling the full story of fertility. For decades, reproductive care has focused almost entirely on women, even though male factors play a critical role. Men’s Health is Women’s Health reflects my belief that building families requires acknowledging every part of the reproductive picture."

Heidi Gerling

Operations Administrator

Men's health is Women's health

"Fertility and family-building are shared journeys. When we pay attention to both male and female health and overall wellness, the chances of successful and healthy reproductive outcomes improve."

Scientific Advisory Board

Jill Chisholm

Jill Chisholm

Advisor

Amber Cooper

Amber Cooper

MD, MSCI, FACOG

Dustie Johnson

Dustie Johnson

Ph.D
and Co-founder

Debbra Keegan

Debbra Keegan

MD

Juergen Liebermann

Juergen Liebermann

Ph.D., HCLD (ABB)

Lindsay Penrose

Lindsay Penrose

Ph.D., SMNAI
and Co-founder

Samuel D. Prien

Samuel D. Prien

Ph.D., HCLD (ABB), FNAI
and Co-founder

Rich Rawlins

Rich Rawlins

Ph.D., M.A. HCLD,(ABB-Ret)

Shefali Shastri

Shefali Shastri

MD

John Smothers

John Smothers

Board Member
and Co-founder

Matthew (Tex) VerMilyea

Matthew (Tex) VerMilyea

Ph.D., HCLD/CC (ABB)

Shawn Vincent

Shawn Vincent

Advisor

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