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.
The mission that drives the Rotaract Club of Florida Poly is rooted in service to community and to others. Student members can help others and be of service while expanding their networking circle, developing leadership skills, and enjoying mentorship and peer camaraderie. Thomas Risalvato, the club’s president, is intent on bringing more peers into the organization to develop leadership skills,
As Patrick Cole works toward his bachelor’s degree at Florida Polytechnic University, he is now secure in the knowledge that he will have a steady income for the remainder of his education and a well-paying career waiting for him after graduation. “I still can’t believe it,” said Cole, who recently was accepted into the U.S. Navy’s elite Nuclear Propulsion Officer
The production of computers, solar panels, smartphones, electric cars, and more all rely on a steady supply of rare earth elements. China currently supplies most of the world’s rare earth elements, but a new Department of Energy grant awarded to Florida Polytechnic University’s Florida Industrial and Phosphate Research Institute (FIPR) aims to change that. FIPR has received $150,000 grant from
Talented high school students who aim to pursue high-wage careers in science, technology, engineering, and math can now easily learn how Florida Polytechnic University can help them achieve their goals through an innovative online tool. MyFloridaFuture, which was announced today by the State University System of Florida and the Board of Governors, is an interactive tool designed to help students
The end of 2021 marks a year filled with national recognition, exceptional growth, and incredible achievements. Amid a changed global landscape, the Florida Polytechnic University community worked hard to continue growing and moving forward. The year’s highlights included impressive U.S. News and World Report and other rankings, international accolades for stellar faculty members, and innovative opportunities for hands-on learning. Read
The food pantry at Florida Polytechnic University aims to take a big burden from the shoulders of students who may not know exactly where their next meal will come from. “There is a mindset that if a student can afford to attend college, then they can afford to buy food, but there are many students throughout the nation who are
The 2021 winter break begins on Saturday, Dec. 17. We hope you have a relaxing winter break and a happy holiday season. The list below outlines the closures and services available at Florida Polytechnic University through the winter break. We look forward to seeing you back on campus on Monday, Jan. 10. Florida Poly Campus and Offices Friday, Dec. 24–Sunday,
The Florida Polytechnic University community mustered its spirit of charity and goodwill this season and stepped up to donate toys, books, and other gifts to children who could use a little extra cheer this holiday season. The donations will be delivered to pediatric patients at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center and to children in an impoverished community in Honduras. “A
With research interests in nanomedicine, energy systems, and rare earth element recovery, three Florida Polytechnic University professors have been named to the prestigious global list of top scientists compiled annually by Stanford University. Dr. Ajeet Kaushik, assistant professor of environmental engineering; Dr. Hisham Mahmood, assistant professor of electrical engineering; and Dr. Patrick Zhang, director of research mining and beneficiation at
For the first time in two years, the Florida Polytechnic University Fall Game EXPO returned to in-person gameplay on Saturday, Dec. 4, energizing student game developers and attracting hundreds of game-loving high schoolers to campus. Sophomore computer science major Ryan Celentano’s game was one of 23 that were showcased at the event. He created the game “Deja Drift” with two classmates, displaying
Researchers at Florida Polytechnic University’s Advanced Mobility Institute are beginning a new phase in their work on autonomous vehicle testing and verification. The research is shifting gears from software to hardware testing at a new simulation facility on campus, funded in part by a $350,000 grant from the National Science Foundation. The centerpiece of the project – a tricked-out, autonomous Ford Fusion
Physical therapist Mike Ryan had a bright idea to improve his industry, so he turned to Florida Polytechnic University students to make his dream of a bionic physical therapy machine a reality. An interdisciplinary team of seven capstone students is now working to modernize a machine that it can be set to apply different amounts of pressure to specific parts
