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.
ORLANDO, Fla. – On Tuesday, the Florida Board of Governors approved Florida Polytechnic University’s plan for resuming its on-campus operations in the fall. The Blueprint for Returning to Campus details the steps the University is taking to provide a healthy environment for students, faculty, and staff amid the COVID-19 pandemic, while continuing to deliver a high-quality STEM education. The plan
The health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff is our top priority. Visit this webpage for resources and additional information. Florida Poly Students, The Florida Poly Blueprint for Returning to Campus was delivered to all students last week. This message provides some key summary details. Fall 2020 courses will begin on Thursday, August 20. This is FIVE DAYS
Florida Polytechnic University partnered with State Rep. Colleen Burton to donate 10,000 face masks to multiple local nonprofit organizations to help them continue their essential work during the COVID-19 pandemic. The masks were donated to VISTE (Volunteers in Service to the Elderly), LVIM (Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine), Talbot House Ministries, and AFI (Alliance for Independence). Representatives of the organizations met
Florida Polytechnic University has launched a totally new website experience dedicated to offering all users an easy and effective way to get the information they need and want. “In addition to a brand-new design that showcases the spirit and culture of the Florida Poly community, the new website greatly improves the user experience,” said Laura Neff-Henderson, Florida Poly’s director of
Mentorship made all the difference to Microsoft senior consultant Adam McCullough when he underwent an abrupt career shift about 10 years ago. After his job at Kennedy Space Center ended and he found himself repairing computers for Lockheed Martin, McCullough befriended colleague Garrison Thompson and the two built a lasting mentor relationship. “Garrison changed my life,” McCullough said to a
While her Florida Polytechnic University peers were studying for finals and adjusting to remote education this spring, mechanical engineering major Spc. Brooke Smith’s unit with the Florida Army National Guard was activated to help with COVID-19 testing in Jacksonville, Florida. “It was good to see how everyone came together,” Smith said, from Lakeland, Florida. “We got to our mission and
LAKELAND, Fla. – A new scholarship named for Florida Polytechnic University Trustee Frank T. Martin is designed to provide more opportunity to African American students and help them achieve their STEM career ambitions. The Frank T. Martin Single Year Scholarship was established through the American Public Transportation Foundation (APTF) to support African American students pursuing a degree in engineering, transportation,
When the emergence of COVID-19 led to overnight changes in the restaurant industry, Florida Polytechnic University alum Matthew Giallourakis and his family sprang into action. Giallourakis ’18, M. Eng. ’20 is head of logistics and process automation for mobile software company Loyal Cast. The Palm Harbor, Florida, business was co-founded by Giallourakis’ father, Anthony Giallourakis, and brother, Michael Giallourakis, to
Florida Polytechnic University is carefully and deliberately exploring the most effective strategies to move the University forward as our nation continues to grapple with a new normal in the face of COVID-19. Florida Poly has been steadily working on a plan to resume on-campus operations this fall. It will be presented during a June 23 meeting of the Florida Board
The Florida Polytechnic University Student Government Association boasts a large number of first-time members and leaders as it heads into the fall 2020 semester. The new leadership is spending the summer months planning and working to improve student representation, support, and engagement. However, the circumstances they’re working under couldn’t be more different than typical years due to COVID-19. “The biggest
The health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff is our top priority. Visit this webpage for resources and additional information. All, I hope you’re doing well and are continuing to stay healthy during this time. As you know, several dedicated teams have begun conversations and the necessary work to determine the best way for Florida Poly to operate
The work Bryan Urias ’20 does as an information security analyst for tech start-up JustProtect is the culmination of years of dedication and hard work. And he couldn’t be happier. “This has been amazing,” Urias said. “It’s been really cool seeing all the things I learned in school apply to the real world.” JustProtect, based in Tampa, Florida, helps businesses
