Dr. Stephen Dewhurst recently joined NextCorps’ Board of Directors. We sat down with Steve to discuss how his distinguished career in research and academia will benefit the board and NextCorps.
A Legacy of Leadership: Dr. Dewhurst’s Academic and Research Achievements
Dr. Dewhurst currently serves as Vice President for Research at the University of Rochester (UR) and Vice Dean for Research at the UR School of Medicine and Dentistry. Since joining UR in 1990, he has played a pivotal role in advancing HIV/AIDS research at the University and – more recently – contributing to its academic leadership. This is evident in his work today, directing mentoring programs, promoting equity in biomedical research, and helping to lead the University’s research mission.
Embracing New Horizons at NextCorps
Dr. Dewhurst is enthusiastic about NextCorps’ impact on Rochester’s innovation landscape. He values the organization’s growth and expanded community influence, stating, “NextCorps has distinguished itself as a unique and invaluable asset to our local community. Its rapid growth over the past five years has significantly expanded its portfolio and amplified its community impact.
“On both national and international levels, the Luminate accelerator also stands out as the largest accelerator for optics and photonics worldwide. Under Dr. Sujatha Ramanujan’s visionary leadership over the past seven years, it has achieved remarkable success.”
Inspiration for Driving Inclusive Economic Development
Reflecting on his motivations for joining the NextCorps board, Dr. Dewhurst emphasizes the need for new investment in the upstate tech economy and for more inclusive economic growth. “I have dedicated much of my time as a faculty member at the University to entrepreneurial and economic development within the community, and hold more than a dozen patents for my work,” explains Dewhurst. “I’m inspired by the fact that MIT economists Jonathan Gruber and Simon Johnson, in their book Jump-Starting America, ranked Rochester the #1 metropolitan area out of 102 cities with the greatest potential to become a next-generation technology hub. This is so important, when Rochester is also the fifth-poorest city among the top 75 metro areas nationwide, with a child poverty rate that is the second-highest in the nation. If we can grow the local economy in a way that addresses the significant disparity we have within Rochester, we can do so much good. I’m impressed by NextCorps’ efforts to foster a more inclusive and vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, for example through their free no-code program, Embark. Activities like this will help to bring in more people from marginalized communities – communities that historically have not always been the first to benefit from economic growth.”
He also appreciates NextCorps’ impact on regional initiatives, such as the Rochester-Syracuse-Buffalo Tech Hub Designation, describing it as “having a really important role” in driving growth and development. “Creating a really strong entrepreneurial tech ecosystem is vital for Rochester’s future growth.”
Strategic Priorities and Opportunities for Rochester’s Future
Dr. Dewhurst envisions Rochester as a leading hub for talent and innovation through strategic collaboration. “I believe we can improve by fostering greater collaboration among the local educational institutions, and the organizations and entities dedicated to workforce development in Rochester.” He identifies key growth areas such as semiconductors, optics, photonics, AR/VR, and medical technologies, noting Rochester’s potential in “sound-related technologies” as well. “There are very specific areas that Rochester is well positioned to grow in.”
Additionally, Dr. Dewhurst highlights Rochester’s advantages in housing costs, quality of life, and climate resilience, which could attract talent and businesses. All of those combined could help “to transform Rochester into a sought-after destination over the next five to ten years,” he says. He envisions progressive growth in small companies across various tech domains, aiming for the city to strengthen its reputation as a competitive and vibrant center for technology and talent, thus contributing to a thriving regional economy.
Beyond Work: Dr. Dewhurst’s Personal Interests
Outside his professional life, Dr. Dewhurst has a passion for running, which he finds both relaxing and reflective. “Although I’m a pretty slow runner, I’ve enjoyed it for a long time now.” He also enjoys listening to fictional audiobooks, as they help him find new ways of thinking, and he’s involved in an artist-in-residence project at the medical center, aimed at highlighting the importance of diversity, and reducing the stigma associated with certain health diagnoses and communities, such as persons affected by HIV and mental health conditions. This initiative reflects his broader commitment to social issues. “I appreciate the opportunity to engage with multiple communities, not just in science, but also in the arts and the humanities.”