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

Alum’s dream career in aerospace blasts off

June 20, 2023

From the time Austin Adams ’22 was a child, thoughts of humans making discoveries and charting new paths in space captivated his imagination. “Space has always been my passion,” said Adams, who received a bachelor’s degree in business analytics from Florida Polytechnic University in 2022. “When I’d watch a rocket launch and leave the Earth to benefit humanity and make

Dutch Charlemagne Fellow explores deep tech startups with Florida Poly faculty

June 12, 2023

Sabine Kerssens, a Dutch systems engineer, is pursuing research in collaboration with Florida Polytechnic University about how effective European research institutes are at commercializing advances in knowledge and using them for economic, social, and environmental impact. Kerssens received the prominent European Charlemagne Prize Fellowship and is working on her research with support from Dr. Rei Sanchez-Arias, assistant chair of Florida

Florida Poly Foundation names Jack Harrell board chair

June 1, 2023

Longtime Lakeland businessman Jack Harrell III has been appointed chair of the Florida Polytechnic University Foundation Board of Directors. Harrell has been a member of the board since 2018. “It’s an honor to be named chair of the Florida Poly Foundation Board,” he said. “There are tons of great things going on at the University. The Foundation’s important responsibility of

Early hurricane prep can keep you safe when storms strike

May 31, 2023

The Atlantic hurricane season is here, and Florida Poly wants to encourage everyone within the University community to be prepared in case a storm comes our way. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s Climate Prediction Center expects that the 2023 hurricane season will include 12 to 17 named storms, five to nine hurricanes, and one to four major hurricanes

Alum thrives in engineering career with global manufacturing services company Jabil

May 24, 2023

Sinead Fernandes ’19, ’21 is forging a successful path as a test development engineer at Jabil, a global manufacturing services company headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, and one of the largest companies in the Tampa Bay area. “I work on the electrical and computer engineering side of things from the concept phase to delivering the test system to the customer,”

Phoenix’s aerospace career off to a flying start

May 18, 2023

Florida Polytechnic University rising sophomore Jonathan Gauthier’s burgeoning expertise as a private pilot dovetails with his growing knowledge of mechanical engineering and his desire to one day design aviation equipment and parts for both optimal performance and a stellar user experience. Gauthier earned his pilot’s license in 2022. He was inspired to take to the skies as a sophomore in

Work less, learn more: Florida Poly’s affordability reduces hours students must work

May 12, 2023

The burden of paying for a quality college education is much lower for Florida Polytechnic University students than for those attending many other universities in the country. The author of a report by My eLearning World, an online resource offering coverage about various aspects of digital education, said Florida Poly students work about 77% fewer hours than the average American

The face behind the Phoenix – meet Florida Poly’s first mascot

May 8, 2023

When Solaris, Florida Polytechnic University’s life-size Phoenix mascot, was unveiled in the fall of 2020, one of the biggest questions on campus was who was the lucky student who got to wear the vibrant purple suit? Solaris, who gained its name in the spring of 2023, soon started popping up at University events across campus and in the region. Its

Florida Poly celebrates STEM grads at 2023 commencement

May 7, 2023

Florida Polytechnic University celebrated the graduation of more than 200 bachelor’s and master’s degree candidates on Sunday, May 7, at its 2023 commencement ceremony. The event was held at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland, Florida. “It’s all happening very fast – I’m nervous but I’m also excited,” said Gabriel Sladecek, who received his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. “I’m

US News: Florida remains nation’s #1 for higher education

May 3, 2023

U.S. News & World Report has once again named Florida the top state in the country for higher education. Florida’s higher education system has held the top spot since the inception of the rankings in 2017. Florida Polytechnic University is one of 12 public institutions within the State University System. “It is exciting to see how the hard work of

Q&A: Computer science grad to fulfill beloved promise at graduation

May 3, 2023

Mykell Spencer ’23 was a collector of friends and experiences during his four years at Florida Polytechnic University. He will receive his bachelor’s degree in computer science with a concentration in game development and simulation on May 7. During his time at Florida Poly, he was involved in many campus activities, including serving as chief justice of the Student Government

Florida Poly celebrates Order of the Engineer inductees

May 1, 2023

Florida Polytechnic University inducted 72 graduates and alumni into the Order of the Engineer, an association for graduate and professional engineers and an important annual tradition created to foster a sense of pride and responsibility in those entering an engineering career. The University celebrated two induction ceremonies this year, one for 38 new graduates on April 26 and a second