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

Florida Poly grows international opportunities with Fulbright Spain pact

November 22, 2021

Florida Polytechnic University has signed an agreement with the U.S.-Spain Fulbright Commission to expand educational opportunities for American and Spanish scholars. The memorandum of understanding allows teaching and research faculty from Spain to further their work at Florida Poly. Additionally, these senior scholars will work with University faculty members and engage with students in lectures, discussions, and other formats. Dr.

Inaugural Impact Summit and Presidential Speaker Series take flight

November 17, 2021

Business and community leaders joined Florida Polytechnic University leadership, faculty, students, and alumni on Tuesday, Nov. 16, to discuss the state of cybersecurity during the inaugural Florida Poly Impact Summit and Presidential Speaker Series. The event, hosted by the University’s Corporate Impact Network, is the latest effort by Florida Poly’s Office of Advancement to deepen the strong connections between the University and its

Alum builds his future as burgeoning tech entrepreneur

November 16, 2021

Florida Poly inventor embraces innovation this National Entrepreneurs Day Doran Alberti ’20 is determined to make a difference in the world. The award-winning Florida Polytechnic University alumnus has founded Alberti Revolutionary Creations, or ARC LLC, to advance the progress of technologies aimed at making life better. “If you can believe that you can do something, there’s nothing stopping you except

International master’s student flourishes at Florida Poly

November 15, 2021

Somayeh Sadeghizadeh, an international student from Iran, is pursuing a master’s degree in engineering on an engineering management track at Florida Polytechnic University. Graduate student Somayeh Sadeghizadeh is no stranger to going after what she wants. The international student from Tehran, Iran, holds a master’s degree in urban management, and enjoyed a 10-year career working in sales and marketing in

Florida Poly police sergeant unwavering in her service

November 10, 2021

Sgt. Leonard reflects on her military career this Veterans Day As a teen growing up in Brooklyn, New York, Florida Polytechnic University Police Sgt. Jeannette Leonard knew military service was her way to a better future. “I saw the same people standing on the corners and selling drugs in our parks day in and day out,” she said. “I

Twin software engineers carve path together at global fintech leader

November 8, 2021

Identical twins Carl-Edwin and Marc-Edwin Rigaud have a bond that can’t be broken. The Florida Polytechnic University alumni have spent their entire lives side by side, and now as software engineers at FIS Global in St. Petersburg, Florida, their path continues – together. The Rigaud brothers grew up in Haiti, moving to Florida during their senior year of high school.

New research on hydrophobic insects could improve future of robotics

November 4, 2021

The natural adaptations that enable tiny, water-walking insects to withstand the assault of torrential rainstorms could one day make the leap to advances in biomimetic robots thanks to research by a Florida Polytechnic University professor. Dr. Daren Watson, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, is studying the ways water striders can withstand raindrops. Water striders are tiny insects that live on

First-generation scholars driven to exceed expectations

November 3, 2021

Florida Polytechnic University students Ahna Cecil and Justin Sanchez know firsthand that being the first in a family to pursue higher education comes with special responsibilities to do well and be successful. “It’s a lot of pressure, but I never looked at it as if I fail, all will go wrong,” said Sanchez, a freshman majoring in mechanical engineering. “I

Electrical engineering alum thriving in career with IT services company

November 1, 2021

When Luis Garcia ’19 was choosing a university major, he aimed for a discipline that was sure to challenge him – electrical engineering. “It started because I’m stubborn and it sounded like the hardest thing to go into, so I chose it,” said Garcia, who received his bachelor’s degree in the subject from Florida Polytechnic University in 2019. “In doing

VEX U robotics team ready to smash the competition

October 26, 2021

The Florida Polytechnic University VEX U robotics team is stronger than ever and preparing to repeat and surpass its success at upcoming national robotics competitions. Last academic year, the team placed sixth in a world qualifier competition and 26th at the VEX U Championship, both in Texas. “We want to see all our teams get to the world championship this

Cybersecurity Club combines enhanced digital learning with social fun

October 25, 2021

As more devices, systems, and governments become tightly enmeshed and reliant on online networks, cybercriminals are finding new ways to exploit vulnerabilities, steal data, and make money. Florida Polytechnic University students with a passion for digital security have formed the Cybersecurity Club to take their future into their own hands and augment their classroom education with additional industry certifications, study

Florida Poly president celebrates University’s winning streak

October 22, 2021

Florida Polytechnic University’s continuing streak of successes was celebrated by Dr. Randy K. Avent, University president, in Florida Politics. From Florida Poly’s No. 1 ranking in U.S. News and World Report to the University’s progress on developing a high-tech research park around campus, the University is on a roll. Read the story.