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.
Beginning his freshman year, Phelippe Souza-Herod ’21 networked across campus, expanding his skills inside and outside the classroom. The Sarasota Military Academy graduate followed his passion for math and engaged with his professors as mentors. He also invested himself in clubs, programs, and organizations that helped him learn from others and become a better communicator and leader. The computer engineering
Chefs inside Red Lobster kitchens across the country may one day be able to easily access the restaurant chain’s latest recipes with a simple voice or touchscreen command thanks to work started by a team of Florida Polytechnic University senior capstone design students. “We’re building prototypes for a digital recipe card system so that Red Lobster can understand how to
Former U.S. Sen. George LeMieux visited Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland and encouraged students to become the next generation of impactful leaders charged with driving Florida’s economy forward. During the recent visit, LeMieux met with University leadership to discuss Florida Poly’s role as an economic engine for the state, and how the institution is creating a pipeline of highly skilled
Students at Florida Polytechnic University who make their way to the Wellness Center on Friday afternoons can quickly find themselves swaying to the energetic melodies pouring from the Nest as the Music Club hones its funky rhythms. The club’s main focus is simply gathering in jam sessions to play music, and it welcomes players of all instruments and skill levels.
Cindy Nguyen ’21 joined Florida Polytechnic University as a brilliant, but timid student who was only interested in learning in class. She quickly realized that stepping out of her comfort zone would give her a more fun, well-rounded college experience. The graduate of Seacoast Collegiate High School in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, became an Admissions Ambassador and discovered a new
LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University celebrated its fourth annual Ablaze awards ceremony to honor the hard work, determination, and perseverance of its employees in helping the University achieve its academic goals. The event was held on Friday, April 16, and recognized employees who have demonstrated excellence in areas such as teaching, service to others, and research. This year’s event
Florida Polytechnic University students Karun Mackoon ’20 and Vanessa Townsend will spend their summer helping the military devise solutions to real-world problems as part of the 2021 cohort of National Security Innovation Network (NSIN) X-Force fellows. Townsend, a mechanical engineering junior with an aerospace concentration, said she was thrilled to get the news of her selection to the prestigious program.
Jaimie Davis ’21 embraced every opportunity that came his way at Florida Polytechnic University. The electrical engineering major is a graduate of Florida SouthWestern Collegiate High School in Fort Myers, Florida. He is the founding president of the Mu Omega Chapter of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Eta Kappa Nu (IEEE-HKN) academic honor society and the Florida Poly
When Jacinto Diego ’21 joined Florida Polytechnic University four years ago, he became the first in his family to go to college. This summer, he will earn his business analytics degree with a concentration in logistics and supply chain management, fulfilling a longtime dream. Diego had an active campus life as a member of the Astro Club and LASA. This
When Greg Willard ’20 took a high school job packing and bagging grocery items at Publix Super Markets, he never imagined his time with the company would evolve from the supermarket floor to its website’s technological infrastructure. “I started as a bagger and worked my way up to customer service clerk – it’s a good company to work for,” said
Embarc Collective, a Tampa Bay education nonprofit that helps startup businesses build scalable, successful companies, opened its doors to Florida Polytechnic University students recently and offered them a peek at the possibilities for those considering an entrepreneurial future. “It’s not every day you get to talk to the CEO of an emerging company,” said Florida Poly senior Jason Chua, a
LAKELAND, Fla. – An entrepreneurial team of Florida Polytechnic University students earned funding for their development of an innovative gesture-control device for electric longboards at the 2021 Catapult LAUNCH Pitch Night in Lakeland. Seniors Aaron Apigo, Kevin Racktoo, and David Terry walked away from the March 18 event with a $2,500 microgrant to evolve their prototype and advance their business, dex. Interfaces.
