Every year, the University of Florida presents Superior Accomplishment Awards to those who go above and beyond — or, in winner David Sante’s case, up and all over.
A facilities operations specialist with the Department of Chemical Engineering, Sante often can be found changing a lightbulb 20 feet in the air at the Student Center or rebuilding a vacuum pump or setting up costly, delicate equipment.
His days are unpredictable. He wears many hats of late, including a hard hat amid the dust and chaos of the CHE building renovation. Recently, he oversaw moving all the contents of the 32,000-square-foot building into temporary spaces across campus, as well as setting up the new labs.
“Working with David was a highlight of my time as department chair,” said Carlos Rinaldi-Ramos, Ph.D., CHE’s former chair. “He is always cheerful to help our students, faculty and staff in any way possible. Throughout his time in CHE, he has consistently gone beyond the expectations of his role in facilities operations.”
Sante’s dedication became very apparent during the pandemic. Labs were locked down, so students and faculty had to switch to a remote format using 3D printed parts.
“David enthusiastically dived into learning how to set up and process 3D printed parts. We worked very closely together on this, and it was in large part through his diligence in producing parts that we were able to complete the kits that were sent to students at the start of Fall 2020,” Rinaldi-Ramos explained.
When the CHE Student Center closed for renovations, Sante was essential in keeping that project moving forward. He attended all the project meetings and inspections, helped vacate the building and settled everyone back in after its completion.
“It is evident this job is rewarding because of his interactions with our community and because it gives him an opportunity to contribute to our mission of educating future generations and advancing science and engineering for the benefit of society,” Rinaldi-Ramos added.
Superlatives are used early and often when describing Sante.
Ask CHE Professor Juan Manuel Restrepo Florez, Ph.D., about Sante, and you’ll hear the words “nothing short of exceptional, good-natured, attention to detail, lasting impact on our department, positive and professional demeanor …”
Professor Jason Butler, Ph.D., agreed: “As a faculty member who had to move, I did not even want to face my own relocation. David impressively remained calm, professional and even-tempered throughout.”
Professor Tony Ladd, Ph.D., recalled Sante’s mission to move a 20-year-old computer cluster that had grown to over 250 servers, 800-plus cables, switches, racks and associated hardware, weighing close to three tons.
“All the servers had to be disconnected, dismantled and carried outside for disposal,” Ladd said. “Dismantling all this was a huge amount of work for David and his single student helper — and all this on top of his other responsibilities. David’s contributions during this time were extraordinary,” Ladd said.
Sante said the renovation and subsequent moving have had its challenges, physically and emotionally.
“One of the more delicate aspects was working with faculty who had been in their spaces for decades, some 30-plus years,” he said. “Helping them thoughtfully evaluate what truly needed to move required patience and collaboration. It was a long process and sometimes felt similar to pulling teeth, but an important one.”
Dow Chemical Company Foundation Term Professor Jason Weaver, Ph.D., had a lab that was not designed to be moved. There are multiple systems with interconnected chambers and components that “are both delicate, precisely aligned and heavy,” Weaver said.
But Sante made it happen. “David’s deep mechanical knowledge, practical insight and steady judgement made all the difference,” Weaver said.
Moving and setting up Weaver’s lab again took roughly two months. Sante was also pivotal in designing the new lab space, ensuring that electrical connections, exhaust lines and cable trays were perfectly placed for Weaver and his students.
“He interacts with them with patience and compassion, taking the time to explain complex technical concepts and safety considerations,” Weaver said. “He clearly derives satisfaction from teaching and mentoring, and his willingness to share his expertise has given many students invaluable hands-on experience with laboratory systems and engineering principles. His approachability and enthusiasm make him a trusted and respected mentor to students at all levels.”
In short, noted Nicole Bristow, associate director for Administrative Services, “David’s integrity, work ethics and collaborative spirit embody the values of the University of Florida.”
When Sante isn’t working, he is working out, running a dog-sitting business with his girlfriend or catching up on his own to-do list at home.
“I was so exhausted most evenings that not much else was getting accomplished at home,” he said. “Even my regular hobbies, such as my exercise routine and my fish tank maintenance, took a hiatus during those months. My poor fish looked like they were swimming in a mangrove marsh.”