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.
Four Florida Polytechnic University bachelor’s degrees have been accredited 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 technology. The degree programs are Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. ABET accreditation assures that programs meet standards to produce graduates ready
The annual celebration included events across campus to help students connect, have fun, and get fired up about the new academic year. This year’s events included intramural sports and a fun glow party. Contact: Lydia Guzman Director of Communications 863-874-8557
Technology is changing so dramatically and so rapidly that students need to be prepared to shift with it or risk getting left behind. That was the message Joe Viscuso, senior vice president and director of strategic growth at engineering and construction services firm Pennoni, delivered to a roomful of Florida Polytechnic University students at the first Innovation Speaker Series lecture
Freshmen and new transfer students began getting to know the Florida Polytechnic University way of life during new student orientation held August 19-20. The two-day event introduced new students to the many resources available to them during their time at the University. It included a welcome from Dr. Randy Avent, Florida Poly’s president, as well as discussions about academic support
The state of Florida will be closer to meeting its need for qualified engineers in high-demand fields when Florida Polytechnic University begins the 2019-20 academic year offering three new degrees: Environmental Engineering, Engineering Mathematics, and Engineering Physics. These programs expand the academic offerings for students as they seek to pursue a high-demand STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) degree. Classes
The Florida Polytechnic University campus will be awash in tie-dye, casino-style games, and fun competition when Purple Fire Week welcomes students back to the fall semester on Wednesday, Aug. 21. “It’s a fun time to come out and experience something different,” said Tonya Chestnut, director of student development at Florida Poly. Chestnut said the welcome-back events, which extend through Saturday,
The first day of the fall semester is just around the corner. The start of a new academic year can be a time of uncertainty for new students. That is why those who have been around Florida Polytechnic University for a few years provide some help to ease the transition. Florida Poly juniors, seniors, and alumni offer their best advice
Ryan Perez has a vision for the perfect student experience at Florida Polytechnic University. He wants to make sure every student feels connected, supported, and part of the vibrant university community. And he wants them to have a great time while they’re at it. “My goal is to get students more involved in student government and student life in general
Zubaidah Sabah is beginning a journey at Florida Polytechnic University that she hopes will one day transform the agricultural future of her home country of Iraq. “I just want people in my country to see how automation and using technology – robotics, aerial vehicles and drones in agriculture – will change our situation,” said Sabah, who received a bachelor’s degree
Andre Goode ’18 gets to wake up every morning and go to work at a place most people only dream of visiting. It is the place where magic happens. Disney magic, that is. “One of the most enjoyable aspects of being a Disney technologist is being able to see the fruit of my own labor,” Goode said in a telephone
Natalie Brum has found a career she’d like to stick with. The Florida Polytechnic University senior is completing her second summer internship in Maplewood, Minnesota, as a project engineer at 3M, a company known for its innovation in products used around the world, including Command hooks, Post-it Notes, and thousands of other items. “I’m passionate about 3M and all the
Some of the most memorable, attention-grabbing ads and shows on TV today are optimized using advanced neuroanalytics to create content that consumers will respond to. Florida Polytechnic University senior Chelsea Reeves has spent her summer helping improve that process as a Neuroanalytics Engineer in the Big Apple. “It’s been absolutely wonderful,” said Reeves, an electrical engineering major. “I wanted an
