Hello lovely people, and happy finals!

Just kidding, nobody is happy right now.

Except for EvapoGATOR because we’re very proud of our SLDR presentation! This week, the team presented our solution to completely redesign and build a new vacuum evaporator for UF’s Food Science and Human Nutrition (FSHN) department.

On Tuesday 12/6, we had the fantastic opportunity to network with other coaches, liaison engineers, and peers before listening to a keynote speaker and sharing our SLDR presentation.

During our presentation, we explained the uses/process of vacuum evaporation, detailed the problems with the current system, presented our design solution, and proposed the next steps to follow in the coming semester. From all of the work we put into the design process, EvapoGATOR is confident we presented a logical, budget-friendly, time-appropriate solution to assemble a new machine in the spring.

To finish the semester, we have been coordinating with our liaison, Dr. MacIntosh, to purchase the main process units for the system: the evaporator, condenser, and phase separator tank.

When we return from winter break in January, we will begin testing those components and coming up with a detailed plan to assemble the system.

Until then, our team wanted to share some of our favorite moments from the fall semester:

• Emily: “My favorite part was getting to know the other teams and understanding how to work with a variety of people.”

• Ryan: “My favorite part was networking during the SLDR event.”

• Alli: “My favorite part was working with my team to design something meaningful and adding skills to my engineering toolbox.”

Happy holidays everyone! See you in 2023!