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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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Pixel perfect: Florida Poly repeats statewide game jam win

January 27, 2025

A team of students from Florida Polytechnic University took home top honors this week at the second annual Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA) two-day Collegiate Game Jam, which challenged 34 teams from across the state to create a playable video game in under 48 hours. Computer science seniors Cecilia Merion and Mason Kazebeer won first place in the undergraduate division

Lakeland Police Department adopts high-tech Florida Poly body-cam trigger

January 16, 2025

Mechanical engineers at Florida Polytechnic University have put their skills to the test for the Lakeland Police Department, inventing a device to help make turning on their body cameras effortless in situations when they must draw their firearm. The patent-pending device is now worn on the holster of every Lakeland police officer. “I want to thank the incredible team at

Experienced officers join Florida Poly Police to mentor and protect

January 9, 2025

The Florida Polytechnic University Police Department’s commitment to a safe, unified campus community is at the heart of every officer’s action, beginning from the moment they submit their application. It’s something Chief Richard Holland kept top-of-mind as he considered each of the six new people who joined his team over the last two years. “When hiring, we look at experience,

Florida Poly professor uncovers secrets of water-walking insects’ survival

January 8, 2025

A Florida Polytechnic University professor’s groundbreaking study has revealed how tiny water-walking insects survive torrential rainstorms, potentially paving the way for advances in biomimetics and water pollution solutions. Dr. Daren Watson, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, published his findings in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), one of the world’s top scientific multidisciplinary journals. The research, which

Innovative 3D-printing research propels Florida Poly grad student to national win

January 2, 2025

Florida Polytechnic University graduate research assistant Sydney Wickett recently captured top honors at the American Standard for Testing Materials (ASTM) E08 Fatigue and Fracture Committee Dr. M.R. Mitchell Student Forum in Orlando, Florida. The forum is among the most significant for engineers and researcher experts in fatigue and fracture mechanics. Wickett’s presentation, based on research funded by a $150,000 National

2024 in review: Recapping Florida Poly’s momentous year

December 20, 2024

The end of 2024 marks a year filled with exciting changes, big developments and remarkable achievements at Florida Polytechnic University. With a new University president, new degrees, department chairs, national rankings and campus construction, the year had something to celebrate around every corner. As 2025 approaches, the University is looking forward to its best year yet. 1. Dr. G. Devin

Play it again, Dr. Stephenson: A melody of holiday tradition and leadership

December 18, 2024

The holiday season and its tradition of warm, uplifting music have a special meaning for Dr. Devin Stephenson, president of Florida Polytechnic University. They conjure good memories and give him a chance to reconnect with some of his favorite holiday songs. “My father’s favorite song was ‘Silver Bells,’ and I love that. I play it every year at Christmas with

Florida Poly president skips inauguration to fund student scholarships

December 16, 2024

In a bold move prioritizing students, Dr. Devin Stephenson, Florida Polytechnic University’s new president, has opted to forgo his inauguration ceremony and reallocated the event’s over $100,000 budget toward student scholarships. The ceremony was scheduled for January 2025. Stephenson began his tenure as Florida Poly’s new president in July, driven by a firm determination to promote and advance student success.

Fulbright research partnership developing sensors to improve Parkinson’s patient care

December 13, 2024

Advanced research at Florida Polytechnic University, in collaboration with the University of Windsor in Canada, is centered on the development of wearable sensors to assist in care for those diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Patients with Parkinson’s disease often contend with progressive stiffness, tremors and balance problems that can make movements such as walking, standing and even eating a challenge. Dr.

New course empowers students to master financial trading

December 6, 2024

With $100,000 in virtual funds to invest, teams of Florida Polytechnic University students are taking a hands-on approach to learning financial markets this semester. A new investments, financial modeling and analytics course at the University incorporates TD Bank’s Virtual Stock Market Simulation Game, challenging students to strategize the best ways to grow their portfolios and build a heftier balance than

World-class innovators: Florida Poly professors among top 2% scientists globally

December 4, 2024

LAKELAND, Fla. – Building on their continued global recognition, three Florida Polytechnic University professors have once again been named to an elite list of the top 2% of scientists in the world, highlighting their significant work in nanotechnology, critical rare earth element recovery, and electronics and electrical engineering. The annual list compiled by Stanford University ranks researchers based on the

Florida Poly president receives national award for lifetime leadership in higher ed

November 25, 2024

Dr. Devin Stephenson, Florida Polytechnic University president, has been awarded the Lifetime Leadership Award by Higher Education Innovation (HEI), a national entity dedicated to advancing innovation and success in higher education. The annual award recognizes an individual with over 25 years of exemplary service in higher education leadership and highlights their significant contributions to the field and to society. “It’s