Wade Hawkins is the “unsung hero” behind one of Clemson University’s most impactful research centers, a three-time Clemson graduate and an enthusiastic servant of the city he has called home for more than half his life.
And did we mention, he’s also a certified yoga instructor?
Hawkins, a research assistant professor, has been on a roll lately, racking up a series of honors and achievements that cement his role as a valuable member of the Clemson community– both the University and the city.
This month alone, Hawkins was named a senior member of Optica, the world’s premier optical science professional society, and he was listed as a co-principal investigator on an international research grant from the U.S. Air Force.
Off campus earlier this year, he graduated from the city’s Leadership Clemson program as part of a cohort that raised $20,000 for the new Learning Lab at the Littlejohn Community Center.
Few have had a better view of Hawkins’ impact than his mentor of more than 20 years, John Ballato, J.E. Sirrine Chair in Optical Fiber.
“Wade is the unsung hero who makes things work– and in many cases, better than anyone who’s tried before,” Ballato said. “There isn’t a single optical fiber made at Clemson that he hasn’t been behind.”
As director of the Optical Fiber Laboratories, Hawkins keeps millions of dollars’ worth of highly specialized equipment running smoothly and helps students and faculty turn ideas into tangible innovations.
Together, they create specialized forms of optical fiber, the thin strands of glass that carry light for lasers, high-speed internet and other advanced technologies.
“What I do is figure out how to take an idea and make it happen,” Hawkins said. “I connect the science to the process so it actually works.”
Kyle Brinkman, chair of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, said Hawkins’ achievements highlight Clemson’s strength in developing talent to tackle the toughest challenges in advanced materials.
“Wade is a testament to Clemson’s ability to attract and develop the best and brightest minds and equip them to solve some of the most complex problems in the field,” Brinkman said. “I congratulate him on all his success.”
Hawkins followed his high school sweetheart, Wendy, to Clemson as an undergraduate in 1994 and received his Bachelor of Science in ceramic sciences and engineering. He and Wendy, a middle-school English teacher, are now married and have a son.
Hawkins went to work in industry for nearly three years after graduation and then returned to Clemson in 2002 for a master’s in materials science. He has been at Clemson ever since, working alongside Ballato and others.
Hawkins later continued his education even further, earning his Ph.D. in materials science and engineering in 2020.
Beyond the lab, Hawkins has his sights set on giving back to the community, saying he has applied for some of the city’s advisory board positions.
“I’ve learned so much about how the city works, and I really think the University and the city need each other,” he said.
And if you’re free on a Sunday evening at 5:30, you can catch him downtown, teaching a yoga class at Solshine Yoga and Reforme Pilates.
All this, and he’s just getting started.
“I’m ready to do something big,” Hawkins said. “I don’t know what that is yet– but I’m going to keep pushing for it.”
