News

Latest News

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

All Stories

Innovative Sensor Technology

April 22, 2015

Sensor technology is a dynamic field that involves electrical or optical devices for monitoring and measuring an application or device. This information is utilized to improve a product’s functionality, processes and systems. The current growth in innovative sensor technology enables development of sensors and sensing systems to be used in practices such as health, environmental and safety issues. A growing

Interview with Aubury Erickson

April 20, 2015

Florida Polytechnic University recently released Future Proof, a comprehensive digital innovation whitepaper on the advancement of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and its impact on Florida’s economy and education system. From business leader insights to the student perspective, Future Proof features a range of informative interviews. For example, Aubury Erickson, a student in Florida Poly’s Inaugural Class, discussed the

Electrical Engineering Careers

April 15, 2015

Electrical engineers take the science of electrical power and microchip applications to create devices by finding innovative ways to solve today’s global challenges. Electrical engineers may work on projects involving power transmission, power distribution and power consumption. Advancements in technology, combined with a rising demand for electrical engineers, makes pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering an exciting opportunity for students.

Student Presentations Recognized by Florida Academy of Sciences

April 11, 2015

Two Florida Polytechnic University students have been honored by the Florida Academy of Sciences for their poster presentations. Freshman Eric Vickers (pictured above) and sophomore James Mulharan presented their research posters at the 79th Annual Meeting of the FAS at Saint Leo University. Both students major in Electrical Engineering at Florida Poly. Eric’s poster presentation was on the “Physicochemical Characteristics

Florida Polytechnic Universitys Annual Industry Partner Summit Brings Together Leading Minds in High Tech

April 8, 2015

Business leaders in innovation and technology from throughout the the Southeast traveled to Florida Polytechnic University’s campus Wednesday for Florida Poly’s Second Annual Industry Partner Summit. The event brought together more than 100 professionals from industry-leading firms, including Nielsen, Tech Data, Florida Blue, Publix, Mosaic and Saddle Creek Logistics, to help inform the University’s curriculum and connect them with additional

#STEMTalks Unanswered Questions

April 8, 2015

What kinds of internships can Florida Polytechnic University students land? What is the background of Florida Poly’s founding President, Dr. Randy K. Avent? These are just some of the questions that participants posed at the University’s recent Google + Hangout, #STEMTalks. On March 31, 2015, Florida Poly hosted its final Google+ Hangout in a three-part series on advanced technology and

Nanotechnology Careers

April 8, 2015

University’s degree program in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering. Florida Poly’s extensive curriculum provides students the opportunity to earn an Engineering Degree with a special concentration in the cutting-edge field of nanotechnology. Just what is nanotechnology? This emerging field incorporates engineering, chemistry, physics, materials science, biology, and a growing number of other disciplines. Literally, the “science of the small,” nanoscience focuses

#STEMTalks Google+ Hangout at Florida Polytechnic University

March 26, 2015

What are the top jobs of the future? Which STEM industries are hiring? Florida Polytechnic University President Dr. Randy K. Avent is part of a panel of distinguished STEM experts and leaders who will take part in a virtual Google+ Hangout on March 31, 2015 at 8 p.m. The best part about the University-hosted #STEMTalks is that you do not

Lawmakers Hear from Floridas Heart of High Tech

March 25, 2015

LAKELAND, Fla. (March 25, 2015) – Florida Polytechnic University students and officials filled the Florida Capitol on Wednesday during an annual visit with lawmakers. Florida Poly Day at the State Capitol included high-tech displays showcasing the University’s innovative mission, signature campus, applied research initiatives, industry partnerships and economic impact on Florida. Students from Florida Poly’s Inaugural Class were on hand

Lakeland Middle School Student Creates Award-Winning Invention at Florida Polytechnic Universitys 3D Printing Lab

March 24, 2015

LAKELAND, Fla. – Thirteen-year-old Christian Herman is proof that innovation can occur at any age. The Lakeland Christian School seventh-grader has invented a pencil grip that helps children improve their handwriting skills – and he’s done it with a little help from the lab team at Florida Polytechnic University. Constructed using one of Florida Poly’s Makerbot 3D printers, the pencil

The STEM-Enabled World

March 24, 2015

Welcome to the STEM-enabled world. As the U.S. transitions to a knowledge-based economy, STEM – or science, technology, engineering and mathematics – increasingly defines how we live and determines our future. STEM informs most every groundbreaking idea that is propelling our technology-driven society, from Apple’s new Smart watch to Amazon’s futuristic delivery drones to Google contact lenses that monitor blood-sugar

Student Programming Challenge Highlights Accusofts Strong Relationship with Florida Polytechnic University

March 23, 2015

Accusoft, a Florida Poly industry partner, knows how to reach and build relationships with talented STEM students keen on a career in high technology. Accusoft, which designs and builds products and tools for developers, has organized an all-day virtual DeathMatch, which will take place on campus March 27. The event will challenge the programming skills of students using its products.