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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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Sophomore becomes first US Navy Officer Candidate from Florida Poly NUPOC program

January 13, 2022

As Patrick Cole works toward his bachelor’s degree at Florida Polytechnic University, he is now secure in the knowledge that he will have a steady income for the remainder of his education and a well-paying career waiting for him after graduation. “I still can’t believe it,” said Cole, who recently was accepted into the U.S. Navy’s elite Nuclear Propulsion Officer

FIPR secures $150K grant to create U.S. source of critical rare earth elements

January 11, 2022

The production of computers, solar panels, smartphones, electric cars, and more all rely on a steady supply of rare earth elements. China currently supplies most of the world’s rare earth elements, but a new Department of Energy grant awarded to Florida Polytechnic University’s Florida Industrial and Phosphate Research Institute (FIPR) aims to change that. FIPR has received $150,000 grant from

New online tool helps bolster STEM careers from Florida Poly

January 10, 2022

Talented high school students who aim to pursue high-wage careers in science, technology, engineering, and math can now easily learn how Florida Polytechnic University can help them achieve their goals through an innovative online tool. MyFloridaFuture, which was announced today by the State University System of Florida and the Board of Governors, is an interactive tool designed to help students

Here are Florida Poly’s top 10 stories of 2021

December 30, 2021

The end of 2021 marks a year filled with national recognition, exceptional growth, and incredible achievements. Amid a changed global landscape, the Florida Polytechnic University community worked hard to continue growing and moving forward. The year’s highlights included impressive U.S. News and World Report and other rankings, international accolades for stellar faculty members, and innovative opportunities for hands-on learning. Read

Student food pantry gets boost from corporate donor

December 16, 2021

The food pantry at Florida Polytechnic University aims to take a big burden from the shoulders of students who may not know exactly where their next meal will come from. “There is a mindset that if a student can afford to attend college, then they can afford to buy food, but there are many students throughout the nation who are

Winter break campus services and closures

December 13, 2021

The 2021 winter break begins on Saturday, Dec. 17. We hope you have a relaxing winter break and a happy holiday season. The list below outlines the closures and services available at Florida Polytechnic University through the winter break. We look forward to seeing you back on campus on Monday, Jan. 10. Florida Poly Campus and Offices Friday, Dec. 24–Sunday,

Annual toy drive benefits children in Lakeland and Honduras

December 9, 2021

The Florida Polytechnic University community mustered its spirit of charity and goodwill this season and stepped up to donate toys, books, and other gifts to children who could use a little extra cheer this holiday season. The donations will be delivered to pediatric patients at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center and to children in an impoverished community in Honduras. “A

Three Florida Poly professors among world’s top 2% of scientists

December 7, 2021

With research interests in nanomedicine, energy systems, and rare earth element recovery, three Florida Polytechnic University professors have been named to the prestigious global list of top scientists compiled annually by Stanford University. Dr. Ajeet Kaushik, assistant professor of environmental engineering; Dr. Hisham Mahmood, assistant professor of electrical engineering; and Dr. Patrick Zhang, director of research mining and beneficiation at

Student-created video games draw big crowds

December 6, 2021

For the first time in two years, the Florida Polytechnic University Fall Game EXPO returned to in-person gameplay on Saturday, Dec. 4, energizing student game developers and attracting hundreds of game-loving high schoolers to campus. Sophomore computer science major Ryan Celentano’s game was one of 23 that were showcased at the event. He created the game “Deja Drift” with two classmates, displaying

Autonomous car arrives at Florida Poly to enhance research at new facility

November 30, 2021

Researchers at Florida Polytechnic University’s Advanced Mobility Institute are beginning a new phase in their work on autonomous vehicle testing and verification. The research is shifting gears from software to hardware testing at a new simulation facility on campus, funded in part by a $350,000 grant from the National Science Foundation. The centerpiece of the project – a tricked-out, autonomous Ford Fusion

Capstone design team brings bionic physical therapy machine to life

November 29, 2021

Physical therapist Mike Ryan had a bright idea to improve his industry, so he turned to Florida Polytechnic University students to make his dream of a bionic physical therapy machine a reality. An interdisciplinary team of seven capstone students is now working to modernize a machine that it can be set to apply different amounts of pressure to specific parts

Thanksgiving holiday campus services and closures

November 23, 2021

Florida Poly wishes the entire University community a happy Thanksgiving. As students and employees reflect on what they’re thankful for, it’s important to remember there will be no classes from Wednesday, Nov. 24 through Friday, Nov. 26. Classes will resume on Monday, Nov. 29. The list below outlines closures and services available through the Thanksgiving holiday. Phoenix Dining Wellness Center