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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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Transformative state investment ignites Florida Poly’s new era of growth

June 18, 2025

Florida Polytechnic University is set to accelerate its bold growth plans following the Florida Legislature’s approval of $22 million in the state’s 2025-2026 budget. The new funding significantly advances the University’s efforts to increase enrollment, expand in-demand academic programs and drive campus infrastructure growth. The allocation will boost progress on the new Student Achievement Center (StAC), a state-of-the-art student support

Florida Poly Archery Team dominates at 2025 Sunshine State Games

June 13, 2025

Florida Polytechnic University’s Archery Team thrashed the competition at the 2025 Sunshine State Games in Gainesville, Florida, with its five-person squad earning nine medals at the June 7-8 event. “They performed so well at the competition – even better than they do at practice,” said Bruce Hicks ’22, the team’s founder and coach. “The team competed against archers from all

Florida Poly co-hosts prominent international industrial engineering conference

June 12, 2025

Top industrial engineering and operations management professionals from more than 40 countries will gather in Central Florida June 17-19 for IEOM Society International’s 10th North American International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management. Florida Polytechnic University and the University of Central Florida are co-hosting the event in Orlando, bringing together industry and academia to advance the discipline. Florida Poly

Student-led research deploys AI to spot stealthy Android malware

June 5, 2025

Researchers at Florida Polytechnic University have developed an artificial intelligence technique that can detect elusive malware known as remote access trojans (RATs) on Android devices. The breakthrough could help protect millions of users from cybercriminals who use RATs to steal personal information and control devices without detection. Nesreen Dalhy B.S. ’23, M.S. ’25 worked with Dr. Karim Elish, associate professor

Florida Poly encourages campus community to prepare for hurricane season

June 2, 2025

As the state begins bracing itself for the annual season of severe weather, Florida Polytechnic University reminds the campus community to take proactive steps to prepare for possible storm impacts. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. This year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center forecasts an above-average season, with 13 to 19

Florida Poly professor selected for distinguished Fulbright Specialist Roster

May 29, 2025

Dr. Chris Kelley, whose work in advancing Parkinson’s disease diagnosis and wearable care technology is garnering national attention, has been selected to join the celebrated ranks of Fulbright Specialists by the U.S. State Department. The prestigious Fulbright Specialist Program provides a unique opportunity for U.S. academics and established professionals to engage in project-based exchanges at host institutions around the world.

Florida Poly Board welcomes new trustees with expertise in key sectors

May 23, 2025

The Florida Polytechnic University Board of Trustees is welcoming two new members whose expertise will further strengthen the institution’s position as a driving force in STEM education. The appointments, made recently by the Florida Board of Governors, bring a fresh perspective in entrepreneurship and law, as well as in the tech and defense industries. Sumanth Neelam is CEO of Odin

Florida Poly and Applus+ IDIADA partner to fuel global automotive progress

May 20, 2025

BARCELONA, Spain – Florida Polytechnic University and Applus+ IDIADA, a global leader in automotive design, engineering, testing and homologation services, have established a strategic partnership to expand educational and research opportunities on an international scale. Dr. Devin Stephenson, president of Florida Poly, and Ramon Zabala, director of powertrain, proving ground and facility management of Applus+ IDIADA, formalized the collaboration by

Florida Poly president receives European honor, strengthens global ties

May 16, 2025

Dr. Devin Stephenson, president of Florida Polytechnic University, was formally inducted into the esteemed Royal European Academy of Doctors (RAED) this week, representing a defining achievement in his leadership journey and reinforcing the University’s expanding international presence. The ceremony took place on Thursday, May 15, in Barcelona, where Stephenson delivered a powerful inaugural address on the evolving role of leadership

Florida Poly defies national trends with affordable degrees, powerful outcomes

May 13, 2025

With the average cost of a four-year degree continuing to soar, 81% of American college students now believe tuition is out of control, according to a recent WalletHub survey. The report also reveals growing concerns over student debt, job prospects and the overall return on investment in a college education. At Florida Polytechnic University, students find a different experience. As

Florida Poly appoints Dr. Brad Thiessen to lead academic vision as provost and VP

May 8, 2025

Dr. Brad Thiessen has been named provost and vice president of academic affairs of Florida Polytechnic University, where he will serve as the institution’s chief academic officer, guiding the quality, integrity and advancement of its academic mission. “I am honored to serve Florida Poly at such a pivotal time for our University,” Thiessen said. “As we grow our enrollment, expand

Florida Poly and OCOM announce strategic affiliation to strengthen Florida’s STEM-to-medical pipeline

May 5, 2025

Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine (OCOM) and Florida Polytechnic University have announced a strategic affiliation aimed at creating a seamless pathway from undergraduate STEM education to professional medical training. This collaboration brings together two of Florida’s fastest-growing institutions in science, technology, engineering, and health sciences. By aligning Florida Poly’s rigorous STEM education with OCOM’s innovative medical curriculum, the collaboration seeks