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From NASA to startup: Alumna launches AI platform to bridge tech and policy

September 5, 2025

Payton Barnwell ’19 has dedicated her successful high-tech career to creating meaningful impact through innovation. She helped optimize space station crops as a NASA intern, worked in mission control at Virgin Galactic, and led geospatial product development at SkyFi, creating easy-to-use tools from complex data and imagery. Now, the Florida Polytechnic University alumna has embarked on a new adventure. Barnwell

NSF-funded study uses brain data to rethink engineering education

September 3, 2025

Fueled by a new National Science Foundation (NSF) grant, innovative research at Florida Polytechnic University aims to redefine the way professors approach engineering design education. Dr. Elisabeth Kames, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, received a $200,000 grant to study how students cognitively engage with engineering design challenges. The research will employ neurocognitive tools such as electroencephalography (EEG), as well as

Florida Poly student research uncovers laser light from peacock feathers

August 27, 2025

Undergraduate discovery sparks nationwide scientific attention Florida Polytechnic University senior Anthony Fiorito has captured national attention in the scientific community with groundbreaking research revealing that peacock feathers can emit precise laser light. Fiorito, an engineering physics major, is the first author of a study that has been spotlighted by leading publications including Science, Ars Technica, Interesting Engineering and MSN. The

New SGA president focuses on student voices, organizational strength

August 22, 2025

Connection, communication and advocacy are Colby Manrodt’s top goals as the new president of Florida Polytechnic University’s Student Government Association. “I think our University is in a period of transitioning and going through a lot of change, so we are going to focus this year on bringing better forms of communication to our student body,” said Manrodt, a senior majoring

Florida Poly’s enrollment hits record high, momentum soars

August 18, 2025

Florida Polytechnic University welcomed the new academic year on Monday, Aug. 18 with a record-breaking total enrollment of more than 1,900 students, marking a more than 10% increase over last year’s historic enrollment and the second consecutive year of growth. “This remarkable enrollment underscores the growing recognition of Florida Poly’s value in preparing students for high-demand STEM careers,” said Dr.

Florida Poly reaches new heights with record Fulbright participation

August 13, 2025

Florida Polytechnic University is welcoming the largest cohort of distinguished Fulbright awardees in its history, with international scholars and students set to pursue advanced research and graduate studies during the 2025-26 academic year. The group of 21 graduate students and scholars participating in the prestigious U.S. State Department program reflects the University’s solid commitment to fostering global collaborations and advancing

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Hundreds of graduates soar to success during second four-year class commencement

May 5, 2019

As Emily Yates carefully fixes her graduation cap moments before the Florida Polytechnic University commencement, she can’t help but think about the hard work, the long nights, and all of the sacrifice that brought her to this moment. “I can’t believe this day is here already,” said Yates, who received a bachelor’s degree in science and technology management with a

Q&A: Max Cowan turns curiosity and dedication into opportunity of a lifetime

May 3, 2019

Ohio native Max Cowan ’19 came to Florida Poly ready to tackle new challenges and expand his critical thinking. As he pursued a computer science degree with a concentration in cybersecurity, Max discovered new interests in building autonomous systems and machine learning. He interned as a cybersecurity analyst at Phacil, Inc. in Cocoa Beach, Florida, and later fulfilled another internship

Former NASA astronaut and four-star general to address Florida Polytechnic University graduates

May 2, 2019

LAKELAND, Fla.–Close to 300 Florida Polytechnic University students will receive undergraduate and graduate degrees at the Spring 2019 Commencement, as retired Air Force general and three-time space shuttle astronaut Kevin P. Chilton inspires them to launch their high-tech careers and reach new heights. Florida Poly’s graduation ceremony will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 5, at the RP

Q&A: Payton Barnwell reaches for the stars literally

May 1, 2019

Payton Barnwell’s ’19 true fascination with space led her to stellar opportunities in the aerospace industry while at Florida Poly. The mechanical engineering major from Tampa, Florida, was awarded the prestigious Brooke Owens Fellowship in 2018, which enabled her to intern at Generation Orbit Launch Services in Atlanta, Georgia. She also earned a NASA internship, researching how to grow food

Presidential Ambassador Program welcomes new members

April 26, 2019

Florida Polytechnic University announced its 2019-20 Class of Presidential Ambassadors, welcoming 10 new members to the distinguished student program. The annual induction ceremony was held Tuesday, April 23, at the Aula Magna in the Innovation, Science, and Technology (IST) Building. The new class of Presidential Ambassadors is comprised of 19 students who were appointed by the University president to serve

Florida Polytechnic University seniors shine at first Capstone Design Showcase

April 25, 2019

LAKELAND, Fla.– More than 200 students impressed an eager crowd of industry and community leaders as they presented their capstone projects during the inaugural Capstone Design Showcase held Wednesday, April 24 at the Saddle Creek Logistics Commons in the Innovation, Science, and Technology (IST) Building. The students have been working on industry-focused projects for the entire school year with the

Spirit Week Aims to help Students De-Stress from Finals

April 24, 2019

The end of semester is here for Florida Polytechnic University students. The Innovation, Science, and Technology (IST) Building commons is packed with students, guests from end of the year showcases and expos, and white boards are filled to the brink with math equations. Finals week is coming. The last couple of weeks leading up to finals can be the most

Q&A: Austin Lubetkins developing software that changes lives

April 23, 2019

Computer Science major Austin Lubetkin ‘19 isn’t the average college student. He’s also an inventor, accomplished artist, entrepreneur, and activist. Lubetkin who is from Boca Raton, Florida has a passion for developing technology that improves the lives of people with disabilities. During his time at Florida Poly he has started a business, filed for a patent, and presented his biometric

Saddle Creek Logistic Services receives inaugural Florida Polytechnic University #ChangeMaker Award

April 22, 2019

LAKELAND, Fl.– Almost 100 community and business leaders and University supporters came together to celebrate Florida Polytechnic University’s Founders Day on Friday, April 19, 2019. Even though the festivities were brought indoors by bad weather, spirits were high as Dr. Randy Avent, Florida Poly president, presented Saddle Creek Logistic Services with the University’s first annual #ChangeMaker Award. “This award honors

Q&A: Alison Hart follows passion for a challenge into the world of cybersecurity

April 17, 2019

Auburndale, Florida native Alison Hart ’19 has always had a passion for cybersecurity. Hart, who is majoring in computer science with a concentration in cybersecurity, is a lifelong learner who has excelled at Florida Polytechnic University as a programing teaching assistant, Presidential Ambassador, and is currently working as an information technology contractor at Badcock Home Furniture & More. She’s already

Local leaders take the helm of Florida Polytechnic University’s Foundation Board

April 17, 2019

LAKELAND, Fla. – The Florida Polytechnic University Foundation Board of Directors has elected Lakeland businesswoman Alice Hunt as its new chair. The new vice-chair is Jack Harrell III, senior vice president of marketing, sales and R&D at Harrell’s LLC in Lakeland. Hunt has an extensive path of industry expertise and community involvement. She founded Hunt Construction of Central Florida with

Florida Polytechnic University sophomore discovering path from zero to data hero

April 16, 2019

Florida Polytechnic University student Leanne Paquin is only 18 and she’s already walking the hallways of Saddle Creek Logistics Services with the confidence of an expert data analyst. In reality, she’s only just beginning. Paquin is a sophomore majoring in Business Analytics, fulfilling her dream of interning at a major company she’s known her whole life. “Growing up in Polk