Expert panel explores phosphate mining and its impacts
September 10, 2025
A panel discussion at Florida Polytechnic University on Monday, Sept. 8, examined the history, benefits and future of phosphate mining.
A panel discussion at Florida Polytechnic University on Monday, Sept. 8, examined the history, benefits and future of phosphate mining.
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
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
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
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 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 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
Degrees in computer science and engineering deliver the highest return on investment (ROI) for college students, according to a new analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. At Florida Polytechnic University, the state’s only university exclusively dedicated to STEM, 85% of students are pursuing these high-value degrees, positioning them for strong career outcomes and long-term success. The analysis by Student Choice,
From late-night robotics lab sessions to the forefront of autonomous vehicle technology, Joseph Patullo ’21 is driving innovation as a systems software engineer at NVIDIA’s autonomous vehicles division in Santa Clara, California. Just four years after earning his bachelor’s degree in computer engineering at Florida Polytechnic University, Patullo finds himself collaborating with global automotive leaders and testing the limits of
Taming complex data streams from sensors, real-time dashboards, and cutting-edge site technology gave Florida Polytechnic University student Tyler Mondalto a front row view of how his computer science education can drive meaningful industry innovation. The rising senior recently completed a data engineering internship at the Whiting-Turner Contracting Company in Orlando, Florida. As part of the company’s labs group, he worked
In a bold move to address physician shortages and expand access to high-quality medical training, Florida Polytechnic University and the Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine (OCOM) announced a new program that will allow students to earn both Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degrees in just six years. The program will create a direct and seamless pathway
Florida Polytechnic University student Cassidy Campbell knows that in mathematics, every effort adds up. This summer, her dedication and skills have added up to a standout internship at Savannah River National Laboratory in South Carolina. Campbell, a rising senior majoring in applied mathematics, is working with the lab’s Atmospheric Technologies Group to find smarter and more efficient ways to analyze
Performing maintenance outside the International Space Station is a complex and risky task that requires astronauts to wear bulky space suits and conduct spacewalks to repair vital components like the station’s protective multi-layer insulation. Now, a team of mechanical engineering students from Florida Polytechnic University has stepped up with a promising new idea. The group of rising seniors designed a
Instead of spending his summer in a classroom or at the beach, Maksymilian Kruc is donning a neon yellow vest and heading into the field, helping Publix manage its environmental footprint from the inside out. Kruc, a rising senior at Florida Polytechnic University, earned a highly sought-after internship at Publix’s Lakeland headquarters, and is working to support its Environmental Compliance
Florida Polytechnic University is deepening its global reach through a new partnership with the Hungarian-American Fulbright Commission, paving the way for dynamic student exchanges focused on advanced research and STEM education. The agreement means Florida Poly will welcome top Hungarian talent to pursue advanced studies at the state’s only university dedicated exclusively to science, technology, engineering, and math. “This collaboration
During the race, the team overcame several difficulties and obstacles, including a flat on the car’s single rear wheel, a battery management system shutdown caused by voltage dropping below its threshold, and periods of cloud cover that reduced solar power availability. “We had many challenges that required quick and decisive responses from our team to stay on track,” said Colin
Over a 50-year career, Dr. Muhammad Rashid has become a towering figure in the world of electrical engineering. Universities around the world use his textbooks, top industry organizations seek his input, and lines for autographs after his speaking engagements can stretch for an hour or more. But at Florida Polytechnic University, all students have to do to get his attention
Florida Polytechnic University’s Phoenix Racing is heading back to the national stage with renewed determination, advanced engineering and a brand-new solar-powered vehicle. On Thursday, July 3, the student-led team will compete in the Electrek Formula Sun Grand Prix – an elite collegiate endurance race – with plans to surpass its impressive seventh-place debut in 2024. The race, held at the
