Rob Torgerson is the founder and president of Kestrel Innovative Fibers (KIF), a company producing fibers from recycled plastics that are harvested from the ocean and fibers from bio-based polymers. KIF creates a sustainable line of fibers that are for the environmental conscious. KIF is working with URI to help create a circular economy within the state of Rhode Island using plastic waste.

Rob has over 35 years of experience developing, patenting and extruding a variety of mono and multifilament fibers, primarily for the medical device industry. He has spent his time as a textile engineer to director of new business development in the medical device industry.  He has successfully developed innovative and patented products utilizing textile technologies.    

Rob was the co-founder and president for RxFiber, a producer of next generation medical grade fibers.  Previously he worked for large multinational companies and mid-size domestic firms.

After spending a career saving patients lives, he now wants to help save the ocean. 

Christine West, AIA is Principal of KITE Architects and is dedicated to exploring a human-centered design approach, and particularly how we can make responsible decisions around sustainability. At the core of every KITE project is the firm’s consideration of how the built environment affects both the planet and the wellbeing of its users.

After nearly a decade in Washington, DC, she came to Providence in 2003 to join KITE, and became a co-owner with Albert Garcia in 2008. With most projects located in Rhode Island, they serve a diverse array of community organizations and businesses.

Christine has held many civic and volunteer roles, including a 10-year term as Chair of the City Plan Commission. She has also spent many weekends building an off-the-grid cabin in Vermont with her husband John and many friends – an adventure which deepened her respect for the building process and our connection to nature.