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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 professor shaping the future of rhinoplasty

June 22, 2021

LAKELAND, Fla. – Dr. Oguzhan Topsakal, assistant professor of computer science at Florida Polytechnic University, is employing leading-edge digital technology to help plastic surgeons achieve better outcomes when performing rhinoplasty. The research has been published in several leading journals. So far this year, he and his team have published three papers in top journals such Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic

Phoenix Flight helps students turn business ideas into reality

June 14, 2021

An entrepreneurial internship program at Florida Polytechnic University has helped guide about 70 students toward greater business innovation during its first year. With a structured method of support, the Phoenix Flight program helps student teams develop their entrepreneurial ideas and advance them toward potential business success. “This program compliments our senior capstone program to create well-rounded innovators at Florida Poly. Where our

Alum finds success with major solar technology company

June 10, 2021

As an engineer for solar technology company CED Greentech, Zachary “Zeus” Unson ’20 helps consumers safely implement the use of solar energy in their homes. Unson, who received his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with a concentration in nanotechnology from Florida Polytechnic University in 2020, is now a solar engineer for the national company at its offices in Tampa, Florida.

Florida Poly again spurns national trends with new application surge

June 8, 2021

LAKELAND, Fla. – Defying national trends in higher education, Florida Polytechnic University is enjoying a significant increase in the number of students applying to and committing to attend the University. Applications at Florida Poly are up 17% over fall 2020 and new student deposits for fall 2021 have increased by a hefty 48%. In addition to a spike in interest

Fully funded, Florida Poly’s new research building moves full steam ahead

June 2, 2021

The new Applied Research Center (ARC) being built at Florida Polytechnic University has received full funding by the state Legislature to complete its construction by next spring. The state-of-the-art facility will serve as a research hub for the Central Florida region and a magnet for economic development around campus. The Polk County delegation stood behind Florida Poly as the Legislature

Florida Poly set to enhance the student dining experience

June 2, 2021

Those dining at Florida Polytechnic University this fall will find tasty new offerings, expanded service hours, and a new face for the culinary team charged with making this part of the on-campus experience a deliciously satisfying one. The changes follow intensive conversations with student groups about what they would like to see added, changed, and maintained at the University’s dining

Prepare now for the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season

June 1, 2021

Forecasters predict a very busy 2021 Atlantic hurricane season, which began June 1 and ends on Nov. 30. Florida Polytechnic University urges its students and employees to take early actions to prepare for possible storm impacts. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts a high probability of 13 to 20 named storms this season. Of those, six to 10 are

Florida Poly graduate project aims to transform traffic in Brazilian city

May 27, 2021

LAKELAND, Fla. – A new partnership between Florida Polytechnic University and the prestigious Centro Universitário Facens in Brazil is off to a strong start with the completion of a project that promises to improve traffic congestion in the bustling Brazilian city of Sorocaba. Diego de Paula ’21, who recently his completed his master’s degree in computer science on Florida Poly’s data science track, worked

New state-of-the-art 3D printers await returning students at Florida Poly

May 25, 2021

Florida Polytechnic University’s fleet of 3D printers is getting a high-tech boost. The MakerBot Replicators that have long brought student ideas to life are being phased out and replaced with advanced Prusa MK3S+ and Prusa MINI+ printers. More than 15 Prusa printers will be available for student use by the start of the fall semester. The new printers produce higher

Florida Poly president appointed to prestigious European academy of doctors

May 19, 2021

LAKELAND, Fla. – Dr. Randy K. Avent, president of Florida Polytechnic University, has been selected as a correspondent academician to the Royal European Academy of Doctors. He will travel to Barcelona, Spain, this fall for an inauguration ceremony, during which he will deliver an inaugural address. “I am honored to be selected to join this revered group of the world’s

Alum thrives in successful career with major supply chain company

May 17, 2021

Early in his college days at Florida Polytechnic University, Travis Hills ’19 began an internship at Saddle Creek Logistics Services that changed the trajectory of his professional life. “I was a freshman about to be a sophomore, so I was a little odd and nervous, but it was a good opportunity, and it was definitely right for me,” said Hills,

New SGA leadership gears up for active 2021-22 academic year

May 14, 2021

After an academic year stymied by COVID-19 restrictions and limits on in-person events, the Florida Polytechnic University Student Government Association (SGA) is ready to go big in the coming academic year. New SGA leaders recently were elected, including executive board members Samantha Ashby, president; Antonio Hendricks, vice president; Victoria Correa Andrade, chief of staff; and Jake Greenberg, treasurer. “This past