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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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Financial aid makes dream a reality for first-generation student

February 21, 2022

As Ivelisse Rodriguez progressed through high school and the time to enter college neared, she wondered how she’d pay for the education she always dreamed of. While she aspired to be the first in her family to go to college, the path toward her dreams was unclear. “Growing up, some kids have college funds or Florida Prepaid (college savings plan),

Florida Poly director named Bartow Chamber Board president

February 18, 2022

Early in her career, Shannon Medley turned to Leadership Bartow, a program of the Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce, to help her enhance her civic participation as an emerging community leader. The experience in so changed her that Medley has devoted countless hours since then trying to return the favor. She became active in the chamber beginning in 2006. “A

Tech, business leader urges students to “go big”

February 16, 2022

The adaptability, technological know-how, and big dreams of Florida Polytechnic University students make them poised to be the creators of the world’s next big thing. That was the message Adrian Muhammad, managing partner of Jackson | Shah & Company, had for students during the return of the Innovation Speaker Series at the University on Tuesday, Feb. 15. The series, which

Students find exciting opportunities at spring career fair

February 9, 2022

Resume in hand and decked out in a slick business suit, Florida Polytechnic University senior Zane Sheets worked to make a great first impression on potential employers during the Spring 2022 Career and Internship Fair on Tuesday, Feb. 8. “I’m looking to see where my computer science skills can apply, not just in my major concentration of game development and

Florida Poly sees 30% surge in applications for the second year in a row

February 8, 2022

The number of freshmen applying to Florida Polytechnic University has leapt 30% ahead of the same point in 2021 while out-of-state applications are up 61%. The surge comes as many higher education institutions across the country continue to struggle with enrollment. According to a report by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, undergraduate enrollment declined by more than a million

Florida Poly Women’s Powerlifting readies for national title

February 2, 2022

Florida Polytechnic University’s Women’s Powerlifting team is killing it in its inaugural year, and has already earned a spot on the national stage. Madi Yonash, the team’s captain, is preparing to compete in the USA Powerlifting Collegiate National Championship on March 27-30 in Chicago, Illinois, after an outstanding showing last November at the USA Powerlifting Florida Collegiate State Championships in Orlando, Florida.

NSBE offers connection, opportunity to budding Black engineers at Florida Poly

February 1, 2022

As the leader of the Florida Polytechnic University chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), Catherine Abraham is thrilled to play a role in helping Black students on campus feel welcome and supported. “When you’re in a space where you might feel like the people surrounding you may not have the same experiences you have, an organization like

Florida Poly president makes Tampa Bay’s Power 100 list

January 28, 2022

Dr. Randy K. Avent, president of Florida Polytechnic University, was named one of the most influential businesspeople in the Tampa Bay area by the Tampa Bay Business Journal. The publication recently revealed its annual Power 100 list recognizing the region’s most impactful business leaders. “This acknowledgment recognizes Florida Poly’s growing reputation as well as our significant economic impact on the

Intramural sports offer Phoenixes fun competition

January 27, 2022

When Cadreeo Hudson ’20 arrived as a freshman to the Florida Polytechnic University campus, he was excited to sign up for intramural sports as a way to meet people, enjoy a little competition, and have fun. Now set to complete his master’s degree in engineering on the engineering management track, Hudson is excited about the opportunity to participate in spring

Florida Poly department chair joins prestigious journal’s editorial board

January 25, 2022

Dr. Bruce Jacob, an internationally recognized researcher and chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Florida Polytechnic University, has joined the editorial board of IEEE Access. The multidisciplinary online archival journal is a publication of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, a leading international professional organization for technology and engineering professionals. “It means that I get

Students to gain career momentum at Saddle Creek Day on Campus

January 19, 2022

One of the most daunting parts of the college experience is looking for a job to step into after graduation. Saddle Creek Logistics Services, Florida Polytechnic University’s largest corporate partner, will host Saddle Creek Day on Campus on Thursday, Jan. 20, to engage with students and share ways to successfully begin their careers. “Helping students is really a cultural thing

Rotaract Club of Florida Poly works to help University community and beyond

January 17, 2022

The mission that drives the Rotaract Club of Florida Poly is rooted in service to community and to others. Student members can help others and be of service while expanding their networking circle, developing leadership skills, and enjoying mentorship and peer camaraderie. Thomas Risalvato, the club’s president, is intent on bringing more peers into the organization to develop leadership skills,