Expert panel explores phosphate mining and its impacts
September 10, 2025
A panel discussion at Florida Polytechnic University on Monday, Sept. 8, examined the history, benefits and future of phosphate mining.
A panel discussion at Florida Polytechnic University on Monday, Sept. 8, examined the history, benefits and future of phosphate mining.
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
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
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
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 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.
Isabella Morales ’23 will receive her bachelor’s degree in data science with a concentration in intelligent mobility from Florida Polytechnic University on May 7. The student from Brandon, Florida, is set on making an impact on the world of public transportation, starting by earning her master’s degree in data science at Florida Poly. She is a graduate of Middleton Magnet
Florida Polytechnic University has formalized an agreement with Fulbright Portugal to provide exceptional educational opportunities between the University and the Southwestern European nation. The partnership means that outstanding Portuguese scholars now will be able to undertake ambitious research endeavors at Florida Poly and work with the University’s faculty and students. The Fulbright Chair Award this agreement establishes is among the
As municipalities across Florida and the nation scrutinize their recycling programs to decide their future, they may not consider much more than how the program affects their budget’s bottom line. In recent years, several Florida cities have shut down their recycling programs, attributing the decision in large part to the costs of the process now dwarfing its economic benefits. Dr.
LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University is starting construction of its third student residential building to expand its on-campus housing offerings and keep pace with the school’s high demand and enrollment growth. Residence Hall III will be a five-story, 137,000-square-foot dormitory with 430 beds in one-, two- and four-bedroom suites. Its design is focused on sustainability, flexibility, and campus community
Anime characters, Jedis, and superheroes will pour into the Florida Polytechnic University campus on Saturday, March 18, for Florida PolyCon, a daylong annual community celebration of comics, anime, and all things geek. Up to 2,000 people are expected to attend the seventh annual event, which for the first time ever will include a professional fireworks display. “As students, this is
Hotels may one day be able to track whether a room is occupied without ever having to knock. A senior capstone design team at Florida Polytechnic University is developing a tiny device that could have big effects on the hotel industry. The students are creating a small sensor to be placed unobtrusively in a room and would be able to tell
Thomas Dougherty, a former U.S. ambassador and Fulbright leader, was announced as Florida Polytechnic University’s 2023 Commencement speaker. He is the Warburg Chair in International Relations at Simmons University in Boston. “It’s such an innovative university and to be there at a time of celebration and commemoration for the type of students at Florida Poly is truly exciting,” Dougherty said.
Bariatric surgeries have become more and more necessary for thousands of people across the country each year who need medical assistance to combat obesity. Two Florida Polytechnic University professors are working on a highly realistic 3D bariatric procedure simulator to help ensure doctors have the best training possible to perform the surgery. The work is part of a multimillion-dollar grant
Spring break is here, and students will soon enjoy a restful, weeklong break from class starting on Monday, March 6. Florida Polytechnic University hopes everyone has a safe and fun time and returns to classes on March 13 recharged and ready to tackle the end of the semester. Housing Residence halls will remain open throughout spring break. The Department of
Thirteen Florida Polytechnic University students recently earned top honors at a well-respected international math modeling competition. The students competed in the SIMIODE (Systemic Initiative for Modeling Investigations and Opportunities with Differential Equations) Challenge Using Differential Equations (SCUDEM). The online competition tasked teams of three or fewer students to solve one of three open-ended real-world problems by creating a mathematical model
Florida Polytechnic University is adding to its engineering strength by launching two new bachelor’s degrees for students this fall: civil engineering and industrial engineering. The new degrees were approved by the University’s Board of Trustees at its meeting on Thursday, Feb. 16. Incoming freshmen soon will be able to enroll in the degree programs for the 2023 fall semester. “We
Hundreds of Florida Polytechnic University students gathered at the Applied Research Center to explore exciting career options and meet with representatives from some of Florida’s most well-known companies at the 2023 Spring Career and Internship Fair. Florida Poly attracted more than 60 employers to the event on Tuesday, Feb. 14. Among these were Saddle Creek Logistics Services; Accusoft; Disney Parks,
