Mobile showcase in Arizona to spotlight UF research

January 3, 2007

Opportunities for sidebars, features, standalone photos

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida has created a mobile showcase of UF research that will be at several venues in the Glendale/Scottsdale, Ariz., area this weekend and on the day of the Tostitos BCS National Championship Football Game.

Research to be on display includes:

  • Air-cooled shoulder pads — A set of air-cooled football shoulder pads that were co-developed by Dr. Nik Gravenstein, a UF professor and chairman of anesthesiology. UF players and many other college and NFL teams now use them to cool down on the sidelines. The technology also is being translated into systems to help firefighters and soldiers stay cool on the job. A news release with more information is available at
  • Robotic car — NaviGATOR, an autonomous vehicle created by the College of Engineering’s Center for Intelligent Machines and Robotics. NaviGATOR competed in 2005 in the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Grand Challenge race across the Mojave Desert. A feature story and photo are available at
  • Gatorade – A display highlighting what is arguably the best-known example of successful UF research: Gatorade Thirst Quencher. Gatorade was invented at UF in the mid-1960s by nephrologist Robert Cade to help UF football players.

  • The schedule for the mobile showcase is as follows:

    Saturday, Jan. 6
    10:30 a.m. — Scottsdale Marriott at McDowell Mountains, 16770 N. Perimeter Drive, Scottsdale, Ariz. The showcase will be on display following a 9:30 a.m. news conference at the hotel with UF President Bernie Machen and Ohio State President Karen Holbrook.

    Approx. noon till 4 p.m. — Camelback Inn, JW Marriott Resort and Spa, 5402 E. Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale, Ariz.

    Sunday, Jan. 7
    5-8 p.m. – Gator Jamboree pep rally, Old Town section of downtown Scottsdale.

    Monday, Jan. 8
    9:30 a.m. – University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale. The display will be outside the stadium until kickoff at 6:25 p.m. MST.

    CONTACT: Steve Orlando, UF News Bureau, 352-327-1277, 352-215-4232 or e-mail .