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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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Mentoring students for success in the classroom and beyond

January 30, 2019

Dr. Bradford Towle’s office door in Florida Polytechnic University’s Innovation, Science, and Technology Building is always open. Students stop by often, many times outside his office hours. He’s there. “I like being available to them,” said Towle, who is an assistant professor of computer science. “They come with questions, concerns, asking for advice, and I’m always there as a sounding

Florida Polytechnic University feeding Polk Countys growing high-tech economy

January 29, 2019

One doesn’t have to travel far to see how Florida Polytechnic University is impacting Florida’s economy. In fact, a 45-minute drive within Polk County takes you from Florida Poly’s iconic campus to Lake Wales, Florida. There you’ll find IronRock Software, Inc.,a company that continues to increase its footprint in software development and database consulting services. IronRock’s trajectory has been paralleled

Florida Polytechnic University graduate to help advance new space frontier with NASA internship

January 29, 2019

Shooting for the stars has never intimidated James Mavo. The mechanical engineer graduated from Florida Polytechnic University in the fall of 2018, and when looking for a job, the sky had no limits. Literally. “I thought, why not try NASA? I always wanted to work with great minds,” said Mavo, who is from West Palm Beach, Florida. “Working with pioneers

Florida Polytechnic University to hold annual premier philanthropic gala

January 29, 2019

LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University is set to hold its signature philanthropic event of the year, PIVOT, aimed at raising money to fund scholarships and strategic University priorities. It will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2019, at the Saddle Creek Logistics Commons in the Innovation, Science, and Technology Building, located at 4700 Research Way, in Lakeland, Florida. The

Florida Polytechnic University students take part in advanced technology conference

January 26, 2019

Florida Polytechnic University students and alumni were among more than 5,000 who converged on Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, this week for the 2019 Synapse Summit. The annual conference is aimed at bringing together organizations and people from around the state who are driving innovation and accelerating success. Florida Poly sponsored the event, which included hundreds of companies showing off

Florida Polytechnic University welcomes Fulbright Belgium and Luxembourg official

January 25, 2019

Florida Polytechnic University welcomed Erica Lutes, the executive director of the Commission for Educational Exchange between the United States, Belgium and Luxembourg – otherwise known as Fulbright Belgium and Luxembourg – to its Lakeland, Florida, campus on Jan. 16. Lutes toured the campus and met with University administration, faculty, and students. She was also presented with a medallion as a

Florida Polytechnic University hosts first Innovation Speaker Series lecture

January 24, 2019

Florida Polytechnic University debuted its Innovation Speaker Series, Jan. 17, at its Innovation, Science, and Technology Building. The University welcomed Jim Thomas, the chief executive officer of the Central Florida Tech Alliance (CFTA), who spoke to a gathering of students, faculty, and community members. The theme of Thomas’ lecture centered on Central Florida’s position as a global tech leader in

NATO grant fueling Florida Polytechnic University research aimed at better radiation detection at nuclear sites

January 17, 2019

LAKELAND, Fla. – A group of Florida Polytechnic University students and a faculty member are working on research funded by a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) grant aimed at streamlining the manufacturing and efficiency of handheld radiation detectors, which could be used at nuclear sites as well as for border patrol. “Radiation detection plays an invaluable role in confirming that

Leading scientific company holds workshop for students and faculty

January 14, 2019

Florida Polytechnic University students and faculty recently participated in a high-level workshop that explored principles and real-world applications of spectroscopy. Ocean Optics, Inc., a leading manufacturer of fiber optics-based modular spectrometers based in Largo, Florida, showcased its products by engaging in live demonstrations with the academic contingent. “The goal of the visit was to share our applied spectral knowledge with

Recent Florida Polytechnic University graduate set up for success

January 11, 2019

More than 70 students became Florida Polytechnic University graduates in December 2018 as the University’s alumni roll continues to grow. One of those newly minted alumni is Joshua Rentrope, who received a degree in computer science and is already on the path to fulfilling his entrepreneurial dreams. “I got a lot of experience in just four years,” said Rentrope. “From

2018 Florida Polytechnic University look back

December 24, 2018

New Student Development Center opens Florida Poly Student Development Center The much-anticipated Student Development Centered opened in February providing the university community with a new state-of-the-art facility. The 8,600 square feet building is shaped like a phoenix (the university’s mascot) and has a strength and cardio training area with exercise machines, free weights and lifting plates. It also includes office

Florida Polytechnic University welcomes National Science Foundation to detail small business grant opportunities

December 20, 2018

Each year, the National Science Foundation (NSF) awards $200 million in funding to entrepreneurs through its congressionally-mandated Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. Recently, one of the 11 program directors responsible for deciding who gets funded, took part in the Florida Polytechnic University Entrepreneurial Speakers Series to detail SBIR and STTR opportunities for students