High-quality student research took center stage at the inaugural Florida Polytechnic University Research Day on Monday, April 21. Nearly 125 projects filled the Barnett Applied Research Center, demonstrating the advanced undergraduate and graduate research taking place across all disciplines at the state’s only 100% STEM institution.
“This embodies the very core of our University,” said Dr. Bradford Towle, chair of the Faculty Representative Council, which organized the event. “The innovation and discovery give testament to the research talent we have at this great school and the incredible education this institution provides.”
Among the presenters, junior electrical engineering major Riley Orr’s team developed a method to use micropolymers for detecting trace amounts of a synthetic polyethylene, a major component of microplastics in water.
“This really shows off the capability of our undergraduate students, especially since at most universities you don’t get this kind of research experience until you’re a graduate student,” Orr said.
Projects spanned a wide spectrum of topics and attracted faculty, staff and University leaders, including Florida Poly President Devin Stephenson, throughout the afternoon.
Kalia Lafferty, a junior majoring in applied mathematics, worked to improve autonomous vehicle testing by predicting acceleration using various inputs.
“Being able to do this allows us to test the autonomous vehicles more vigorously. Right now, testing methods are theoretical,” she said.
Dr. Ajeet Kaushik, who helped organize the event, highlighted its significance.
“Everything is high quality and relates to their field, and is connected with faculty who are all doing cutting-edge research,” he said.
Louis Ferreria ’24 has a bachelor’s degree in physics from Florida Poly and will receive a second bachelor’s in applied mathematics in May. His team’s work focused on laser-operated micro-pistons for sensitive biological applications.
“I know a lot of students would do research and present independently at conferences, but it’s really cool that we can all share our research with each other today,” he said. “I find all of this really interesting.”
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