Research not sexy enough for UF

It's like capitalism NOLA. Resources are scarce. The most effective way to apportion them is in an open market. UF can't do everything. They prioritize based on whatever metrics they use (presumably including whether it is something they have expertise in, whether they think it will be successful, whether they think it will benefit the University, and whether they think it will benefit the State; although I wouldn't be surprised if there was some dumbass "woke" considerations built in as well).

Let's say the project is in aerospace. UF has a great engineering program, but that particular project might be a better fit for the Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne which is located near Kennedy Space Center where many aerospace contractors have facilities. FAMU might be a better choice for a political project because it is in Tallahassee. If your project involves NY/NJ douchebags and wannabe thugs, the University of Miami beckons. Maybe Michigan turns down a project that is a great fit at Florida.

UF is strong in Agriculture but the focus has historically been on Florida agricultural products, lawn grass that grows in Florida, orange trees, etc. If your project involves apples, then maybe you're a better fit at Washington or Washington State.

It's like applying to college. Want to be an engineer? Georgia Tech is excellent, Florida has a great program, if your grades aren't there, UCF is strong too. Want to be a dancer? You're better off choosing FSU over Florida.

I don't know what kind of training simulators UF might be involved in. Maybe they are already involved in a flight simulator for the Air Force and they don't have the capacity to take on another simulator project. Or maybe they aren't in the simulator business at all and the resources needed to start a program from scratch aren't there. I have no idea.

I wish your daughter's friend the absolute greatest success. I hope the company makes her a fortune. No need to be mad at Florida though.


Alex.

 

One other thought is that this might actually be considered somewhat of a mature industry now... one of my clients has been in this exact space for quite a long time... they build interactive 3D training simulation modules/environments for mostly nuclear power applications and refineries. Bummer than UF wasn't interested, but congrats to your daughter! Hope she tears it up.