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.
When Peter Moran ’18 joined the Navy in 2019, his thoughts were of his grandfather who served in the Marine Corps during World War II. “I wanted to continue that legacy and do my part for my country,” said Moran, who now is a supply corps officer and the hazardous materials officer on USS John C. Stennis, a nuclear-powered supercarrier
Students who dream of one day joining the world that brings their favorite video games to life had an opportunity to hear directly from a professional in the field. Aaliyah Burroughs, partner technical advisor at Xbox, joined Florida Polytechnic University’s career development office for a virtual speaker session with students on Friday, Oct. 16. “I hope they were able to
The U.S. military is turning to interdisciplinary teams of students from Florida Polytechnic University to help solve some of its most pressing challenges. Hacking for Defense (H4D), a program of the Department of Defense’s National Security Innovation Network (NSIN), challenges students at some of the nation’s top universities to find solutions to a wide variety of the military’s communications, logistics,
Proud Phoenixes will show off the Florida Polytechnic University way of life – virtually – on Saturday, Oct. 17, during Phoenix Family Day. The annual event is one of the campus’ most treasured traditions. It brings together students and their loved ones, allowing both groups to share in a fun day while exploring Florida Poly’s the unique and fun campus
LAKELAND, Fla. – The Florida Polytechnic University Police Department is now an accredited law enforcement agency in the state of Florida. The department received the award from the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA) on Thursday, Oct. 15, recognizing its policies, procedures, and processes as meeting or exceeding industry standards. Accreditation standards address a wide range of law enforcement
For a third consecutive year, Florida Polytechnic University’s Procurement Department received the prestigious Achievement of Excellence in Procurement® (AEP) Award from the National Procurement Institute, Inc. (NPI). The award recognizes public and nonprofit agencies that demonstrate a commitment to procurement excellence by embracing innovation, professionalism, productivity, leadership, and e-procurement. “Earning the Achievement of Excellence in Procurement award demonstrates to our
A bachelor’s degree from Florida Polytechnic University positions students to succeed in many of today’s fastest-growing fields. However, many students have dreams that only a master’s degree or a Ph.D. can help them achieve. Florida Poly undergraduates will have an opportunity to explore some of the options available to them this month during a series of virtual sessions with graduate
As Florida Polytechnic University grew from a vision to a nationally recognized STEM institution in just eight years, Ford Heacock remained steadfast as one of its staunchest supporters. “I am very proud of being part of the Florida Poly Foundation and being witness to the birth of the University,” said Heacock, a longtime member of the foundation’s board and CEO
The search for jobs and internships got more complicated after the COVID-19 pandemic pushed many companies to shift their interview and hiring processes online. But Pairris Jones, Florida Polytechnic University’s associate director of career development, said Phoenixes are well positioned to do well in today’s employment landscape. Students will have the chance to explore just what is out there during
While the COVID-19 pandemic stopped in-person outreach and campus visits by Central Florida’s K-12 schools, Florida Polytechnic University’s Office of Educational Outreach created new ways to take close-up STEM demonstrations and discussions directly to these students. “Traditionally, we were face-to-face both on campus and off campus, but we have gone virtual this semester,” said Indira Sukhraj, associate director of educational
An assistant professor of electrical engineering at Florida Polytechnic University has been selected for the highly competitive Optical Society of America (OSA) Foundation public policy program. Dr. Md Selim Habib will work to help advance knowledge of the significance of the optics and photonics field by working with other leading academics and members of Congress. He is among the 25
LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University has taken on a new initiative to support high schools throughout the state by providing a virtual network of trained learning assistants. More than a dozen Florida Poly students are now working as virtual tutors to help high school students stay on track in their studies, specifically in calculus and other STEM disciplines. The
