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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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Florida Poly delivers standout ROI for nation’s 2 most valuable degrees

August 7, 2025

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,

Alumnus shifts gears into autonomous vehicle development at NVIDIA

August 4, 2025

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

Student transforms data into solutions at Whiting-Turner internship

July 29, 2025

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

Florida Poly–OCOM to launch accelerated pathway to medical degree

July 23, 2025

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

Student’s math solutions make an impact in national lab internship

July 17, 2025

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

Promising spacewalk solution engineered by Florida Poly students

July 15, 2025

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

Environmental engineering intern supports Publix sustainability

July 11, 2025

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 Poly, Fulbright Hungary partner for international STEM impact

July 10, 2025

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

Phoenix Racing powers to podium finish in national solar car race

July 7, 2025

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

Electrical engineering legend committed to inspiring students at Florida Poly

July 2, 2025

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

Phoenix Racing powers up for national solar car race

June 27, 2025

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

Florida Poly professor spotlights U.S. innovation at South Korean summit

June 24, 2025

Dr. Jun Kim, assistant professor of environmental engineering at Florida Polytechnic University, represented both the University and the Korean-American community on the international stage at the prestigious 2025 Future Leaders’ Conference in Seoul, South Korea. His participation elevated Florida Poly’s visibility on the global scene and reinforced the institution’s growing role in innovative research. Selected by the Consulate General of