FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Slater Technology Fund welcomes Prof. Kimani C. Toussaint and Prof. Bethany D. Jenkins to Board of Directors

PROVIDENCE, RI – September 9, 2025 – Slater Technology Fund has elected two distinguished leaders to its board of directors: Kimani C. Toussaint, Ph.D., Senior Associate Dean for Research and Strategic Initiatives at Brown University, and Bethany D. Jenkins, Ph.D., Vice President for Research and Economic Development at the University of Rhode Island. Dr. Toussaint joined the board in January, while Dr. Jenkins joined in April of this year.

“We’re excited to have the opportunity to work with two such accomplished University researchers.” said Thorne Sparkman, Managing Director, Slater Technology Fund. “Both have excelled not only in their respective research fields, but also in their passion for seeing research applied to address problems in the broader community, which is exactly where the Slater technology Fund see opportunity. Their fingers are on the pulse of the entrepreneurship in academia.”

Board Member Spotlight: Kimani C. Toussaint, Ph.D.

Dr. Toussaint is a recognized leader in engineering and applied sciences, with a career bridging groundbreaking research and real-world application. As Senior Associate Dean at Brown University, he has led programs translating complex engineering challenges—especially in biomedical engineering, signal processing, and imaging—into tangible solutions. In addition to his work at Brown University, he is also the Director of the Brown Center for Digital Health. In a statement about his work and joining the Slater board Dr. Toussaint said: “Engineering isn’t just about theory—it’s about building things that work. I want to make sure the next generation of transformative technology is real, scalable, and game-changing.”

Board Member Spotlight: Bethany D. Jenkins, Ph.D.

Dr. Jenkins brings extensive experience in molecular biology, oceanography, and economic development, shaping URI’s innovation ecosystem. As URI’s Vice President for Research and Economic Development, she has guided programs that accelerate research & development, and their ultimate translation while fostering partnership that create real-world impact. Dr. Jenkins had this to say when asked about joining the board: “Our universities are incubators of tomorrow’s industries. My work is about connecting those discoveries with the resources, strategy, and guidance to turn them into ventures that define the future.”

These additions to the board of directors reinforce Slater Technology Fund’s long-standing commitment to the University Ecosystem within Rhode Island and its belief in the value of translational research and entrepreneurial growth.

About The Slater Technology Fund

The Slater Technology Fund is an evergreen not-for-profit seed fund dedicated to supporting new venture development in Rhode Island. More than two decades ago, Slater launched a platform for seed-stage investing in Rhode Island; today, the organization remains the most active seed-stage investor in the state. Slater has invested in hundreds of technology ventures in the region, achieving multiple exits while also generating economic impact returns in the form of high-wage jobs.  For more information, visit www.slaterfund.com.

Media Contact:
Garrett Seiple
Director of Marketing, Slater Technology Fund & RightHill Ventures
714.793.3832
garrett@slaterfund.com / garrett@righthill.vc