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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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New liberal studies certificate to boost student success

October 21, 2019

Employers seeking highly qualified graduates to fill even the most technologically advanced jobs are looking for those who can show they’re just as adept at communicating as they are at troubleshooting complex circuits. Florida Polytechnic University is launching a new applied liberal studies certificate to augment its 100% STEM-focused degree programs and provide students with a means to gain the

Speaker encourages students to innovate with purpose

October 18, 2019

The need for developing and recovering communities to have a safe, durable way to transport and store water without adding to a buildup of trash was the spark that led to the creation of WaterBrick International. The company produces durable, interlocking containers to store water, food, and other materials. The company’s chief operating officer, Kevin Adams, told dozens of Florida

Florida Polytechnic University generates $289 million in annual economic impact

October 16, 2019

Florida Polytechnic University generates more than $289 million annually in overall economic activity resulting from the school, according to a new economic impact assessment by renowned Florida economist Dr. Rick Harper. This includes more than $161 million in gross domestic product (GDP) to the local and state economy each year. More than $72 million of this GDP impact occurs in

Students help improve turtle rehab through 3D printing technology

October 15, 2019

Despite the natural armor that protects Florida’s turtles and tortoises from injuries, the sturdy creatures are far from indestructible. Vehicles, other animals, and simple bad luck can cause cracks in their shells that if left untreated can mean death. Florida Polytechnic University students donated their 3D printer time and resources to help wildlife rehabilitators educate their peers on effective techniques

Community table builds friendships through food and conversation

October 10, 2019

Students who want to meet new people, make friends, or just share something about their day now have an easy way to do it. A new “community table” inside the Wellness Center’s dining hall serves as an avenue for people to connect and start a conversation on campus. Freshman Kolby Dutcher is excited about the idea and said the community

Florida Polytechnic University to boost autonomous vehicle research with new NSF funded simulation facility

October 10, 2019

Florida Polytechnic University will soon have a new simulation facility on campus dedicated to the testing and verification of autonomous vehicle technology in real-time. The National Science Foundation awarded the University a $350,000 grant that enables the development of a large-scale Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) simulation facility for connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs). HiL simulation is a robust gateway for the development

Florida Polytechnic University employees thrive in job-improvement course

October 9, 2019

When Zaira Medina-Rodriguez was given the opportunity to enroll in a professional development course that promised to not only improve her job performance, but also boost her resume and make her a better overall employee, she jumped at the idea. Florida Polytechnic University offers the Lean Six Sigma process improvement training certification courses to employees who demonstrate a desire to

Students embrace career opportunities at Florida Polytechnic University

October 7, 2019

Senior Osaki Pokima is making sure he doesn’t miss out on making that one professional connection that could set the trajectory for his entire career. The Florida Polytechnic University computer science major has been attending University-hosted and supported career and internship events since his sophomore year as he works to network, learn, and plan for life after graduation. “Usually juniors

Engineering her way to a bigger purpose

October 2, 2019

Kelci Wilson ’19 feels lucky to be in a scenario she never expected: living by the beach, enjoying magnificent sunsets, and loving a job that enables her to help others. Only a day after walking at the Florida Polytechnic University Spring Commencement, Wilson began her high-tech career as a quality engineer for Arthrex, a global medical device company based in

Florida Polytechnic University researcher targets next-generation cyber criminals

October 2, 2019

The malicious Android apps of the future will truly be wolves in sheep’s clothing, according to Florida Polytechnic University researcher Karim Elish. He said the inevitable practice of malware collusion will see an app operating as advertised and harming nothing until a companion app is installed. The two will then work in tandem to hijack an Android device, steal data,

Florida Polytechnic University’s entrepreneurship program receives international recognition

September 27, 2019

Florida Polytechnic University’s entrepreneurship program was recognized internationally with its selection as a finalist by the Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers (GCEC). The program was selected for its work creating the Phoenix Nest, a pioneering software system designed to support students throughout the innovation process in universities, resulting in a new level of interdisciplinary support. The program is in the

Florida Polytechnic University celebrates ABET accreditation achievement

September 25, 2019

Florida Polytechnic University recognized its achievement of another major milestone in the University’s history on Sept. 25 with a fun and festive celebration. Four of Florida Poly’s bachelor’s degrees have received highly anticipated accreditation by the Computing and Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, the global accreditor of college and university programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering, and engineering