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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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Students and employers connect at Fall Career and Internship Fair

October 14, 2022

Companies from all over the state looking for high-skilled interns and employees descended on Florida Polytechnic University’s new Applied Research Center on Thursday, Oct. 13, for the annual Fall Career and Internship Fair. About 65 employers participated in the event, hoping to win the attention of highly qualified and enthusiastic students. Some of the companies included the Walt Disney Company,

Esteemed attorney named new Florida Poly VP and general counsel

October 11, 2022

Longtime attorney and higher education leader David Fugett has been named vice president and general counsel at Florida Polytechnic University. Fugett joins Florida Poly with more than 25 years of experience in law and a distinguished record of serving his community. Fugett joins the University after serving four years as general counsel and prelaw advisor at New College of Florida.

Compassion, purpose fuel campus worker’s calling to help

October 10, 2022

As a maintenance technician, Jorge Velazquez is proud of his hard work helping to keep the Florida Polytechnic University campus running smoothly. But it’s his volunteer work during evenings and weekends to help an impoverished community in Honduras that inspires and motivates him to keep pushing forward. This time is spent collecting and selling scrap metal, repairing discarded items to

Alumna building impressive career with EA

October 4, 2022

Just three years out of college, one Florida Polytechnic University alum is thriving in an exciting career with international video game powerhouse Electronic Arts (EA). Natalie Brum ’19 is leveraging her degree in data analytics to help improve processes at the company as an agile delivery manager. She works to make processes, projects, and teams in the company’s security engineering

Public safety officer keeps a watchful, helpful eye on campus

September 22, 2022

John Lane always has a smile, directions, or a quick golf cart ride ready to help students, employees, and visitors to the Florida Polytechnic University campus in Lakeland, Florida. He also has specialized gear that helps him rid busy sections of campus of the occasional unwanted visitor, like alligators, snakes, and other wildlife. “I love this job so much. I

Phoenix Family Day welcomes students’ loved ones to get to know Florida Poly

September 21, 2022

Families of Florida Polytechnic University students will join their Phoenixes on campus for a day of exploration, bonding, and fun during the annual Phoenix Family Day on Saturday, Sept. 24. The beloved campus tradition offers parents, siblings, and other loved ones a window into students’ lives on campus and the many resources available to them. They also enjoy fun activities,

Florida Poly offers powerful coding credential to freshmen from day one

September 19, 2022

Select freshmen at Florida Polytechnic University can start learning valuable coding and programming skills from their first day of enrollment, thanks to a unique program designed to prepare them early for high-skill, high-wage internships and then careers in the tech industry. The Coding for Data Analytics Certificate is an 18-credit program that begins after their high school graduation. The program

Math major connects to Colombian roots through music

September 15, 2022

Florida Polytechnic University student Andrew Franz Pulido often attracts attention from students, faculty, and staff as he practices his unusual instrument – a Hohner diatonic accordion — at the University’s Oak Grove or outside the Wellness Center. “A lot of students have been coming up to me, astonished by the instrument and the sound it produces,” he said. “It’s quite

US News: Florida Poly ranked #1 public college in the region for 2nd straight year

September 12, 2022

For second year in a row, Florida Polytechnic University is ranked the No. 1 public college by U.S. News and World Report in the Southern region of the United States. In its 2022-2023 Best Colleges list, the University also ranked third among all top colleges in the region – both public and private. Nationally, Florida Poly was ranked as a

Data Science & Business Analytics charge ahead at Florida Poly

September 2, 2022

The Department of Data Science and Business Analytics at Florida Polytechnic University has focused on cultivating a tech-forward, industry-leading program since its inception in 2014. The department’s stature in the academic world has grown steadily, positioning it to attract standout faculty, conduct innovative research, and host prominent conferences. “The department’s success demonstrates that Florida Poly is at the forefront of

Florida Poly boosts global impact with Fulbright Italy agreement

September 1, 2022

Florida Polytechnic University leaders have solidified an agreement with the U.S-Italy Fulbright Commission to provide educational opportunities between the University and Italy. The new memorandum of understanding follows the existing framework already in place for collaborations between Florida Poly and several international Fulbright partners. The agreement will allow distinguished Italian scholars to conduct research at Florida Poly and work with

Club Row drives student connections and involvement

August 26, 2022

The Nest was transformed into a club-recruiting mecca on Thursday, Aug. 25 at Club Row, a large, student-run event that provides a platform for student organizations to share what they do and recruit new members at the start of each semester. “Getting involved is a way to really become a better student,” said junior computer science major Melia Rodriguez, who