Meet an Inventor Returns

New permanent exhibit and event relaunch leave the seat up on inspiration

Modern-day masterminds share big ideas during the Cade’s Meet an Inventor events. Their stories begin in the hallowed workspaces of NASA, medical laboratories and even public restrooms. 

A museum favorite since 2018, the Meet an Inventor series relaunches this spring at the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention after a hiatus brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. The inaugural event will correlate with the March 19 opening of At First Flush, a new permanent exhibit.

At First Flush explores the history of the invention of toilets and how they made modern cities possible. Visitors to the exhibit will learn the true story of Thomas Crapper, who manufactured one of the first widely successful lines of flush toilets.

Unlike familiar homages to Galileo and Edison, et al., Meet an Inventor showcases living, breathing and totally approachable inventors. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions about the speakers’ breakthroughs and learn about their creative processes.

Past Meet an Inventor speakers have included environmental engineer Jacqueline Quinn, an inductee into the Space Technology Hall of Fame. Dr. Anthony Brennan discussed his role in inventing Sharklet, the world's first technology built to inhibit bacterial growth through pattern alone.

The inventor led question and answer series relaunches on Saturday, March 19, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with innovator Raymond Paynes, who will engage Cade visitors in some intriguing bathroom talk. Paynes will discuss his solution to a common problem: splatter on the floor below urinals. His Urinal Raised Footplate Companion Piece prevents soiled shoes and dirty footprints throughout the home or office.

The first program in the Cade’s Meet an Inventor series will kick off with an introduction from Cade Museum Co-Founder Phoebe Cade Miles. Miles will speak to the Cade’s mission and the importance of an inventive mindset.

The following week, on Saturday, March 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Meet an Inventor highlights scientists working with polymers. The multitasking substances are used in everything from grocery bags to soda and water bottles to textile fibers, phones, computers, food packaging, auto parts and toys.

University of Florida POLY-PMSE Student Chapter, a resource for career development and opportunities for students and post-doctorate scholars in the polymer field, will give a presentation on innovations in polymer creation.

“We’re truly excited about At First Flush and the relaunch of the Meet an Inventor series,” effused Cade Museum CEO Stephanie Bailes. “Through our interactive event programming and exhibits, the Cade provides opportunities for inventors and invention teams to become a part of our museum experience and engage with the public. Both Meet an Inventor and At First Flush are inspired by a mission to transform communities and equip future inventors, entrepreneurs and visionaries.”

The Cade Museum will present scientists, doctors and other STEAM-powered innovators in the Meet an Inventor series on various Saturdays throughout the year. During the program, the inventors will share their technology, invention, or research with museum guests in the Rotunda of the Cade Museum from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Check cademuseum.org to find out when inventors will be in the museum. Registration is not required; it is included with museum admission.

At First Flush, meanwhile, ponders the science of soap and introduces visitors to NASA’s Zero-G toilets, which help astronauts go boldly where no human has gone before. See the exhibit anytime during museum operating hours: noon-5 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
 
About the Cade Museum

The mission of the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention in Gainesville, Florida, is to transform communities by inspiring and equipping future inventors, entrepreneurs, and visionaries. Named after Mary Cade and her husband, Dr. James Robert Cade, the lead inventor of Gatorade, the project has been spearheaded by their daughter, Phoebe Cade Miles, and her husband, Richard Miles, since 2006.  They encourage the development of innovation ecosystems through the Cade Prize for Innovation, the Cade's proprietary Innovation Education learning framework, and the 2018 opening of a 21,000 sq. ft. hands-on learning museum designed to promote the development of an inventive mindset which the Cade calls Inventivity™. The Cade believes every person should have access to the right to invent and innovate inherent in the DNA of the United States and works diligently in outreach efforts to bring this understanding to all, with an emphasis on the underserved. To learn more about the Cade Museum visit cademuseum.org.
 
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Photograph 1: A museum favorite since 2018, the Meet an Inventor series relaunches this spring at the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention after a hiatus brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. 
Photograph 2: Raymond Paynes will launch the 2022 Meet an Inventor series.
Photograph 3: Raymond Paynes' invention:  the Urinal Raised Footplate Companion Piece. 

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