Sit down, plug in.

Use the sun to recharge more than your body and mind. Cell phones, laptops and other electronics can now be easily recharged using the “Solar Dok” picnic tables, located on opposite sides of the Sun Terrace. The orange-and-blue, solar-powered picnic tables provide accessible power for all visitors to UF&Shands, the UF Academic Health Center, particularly patients and their families, who may not know where to go to recharge their devices. Each table, designed by the Michigan-based company EnerFusion, includes four power outlets and two USB ports and is self-sustaining. Shortly after installation, students clustered around the tables, eating snacks and chatting as an iPad and other electronics charged.“It’s the coolest thing ever,” said Patti Wyatt, a first-year student from the College of Medicine School of Physician Assistant Studies. Patrons are encouraged to use the tables as needed but to be considerate of others who might be waiting to plug in, said Dennis Hines, associate director of medical and health administration for the Office of the Senior Vice President for Health Affairs. Hines is exploring other opportunities to install additional tables around the health campus and perhaps a Solstice recharging station, a seat-free option that is made by the same company. — Mina Radman

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July/August 2012

Rajeeb Das

Super Gators

Meet the three Health Science Center employees who won universitywide Superior Accomplishment Awards this year.

Ira Longini, Ph.D.

Derailing disease

Is he a superhero? Maybe. UF researcher Ira Longini uses analytic modeling to hunt for Agent X.

Dr. David Weinstein (left) and Dr. Runa Olsen show a young patient where the Faroe Islands are on a map. With the help of a donation from the Johnny Damon Foundation, Weinstein has established a new research center to study glycogen storage disease on the island nation.

A major league donation

With the help of Major League Baseball player Johnny Damon, a new UF center is bringing hope to children with a rare disease.

Olivia Salinas, 3, laughs with her mother, Michelle Ransom, her stepfather, Antonio Ransom, and her brother, AJ. Olivia, who has Pompe disease, recently underwent diaphragm pacing surgery to help keep her off a ventilator.

Another chance for Olivia

Olivia Salinas is thriving after becoming the first child with Pompe disease to undergo a procedure that is helping her breathe without assistance.

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