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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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Orlando businesses get glimpse of Florida Polytechnic Universitys road to success

December 20, 2018

More than 50 business leaders and entrepreneurs from across the Orlando region had front row seats to Florida Polytechnic University president Randy K. Avent, as he described the school’s path since its inception and how it’s already making its mark as Florida’s newest public university. “It’s easier to make an impact when you’re big. But to make an impact when

Florida Polytechnic University police bring cheer to pediatric patients at Lakeland hospital

December 14, 2018

Dolls, puzzles, coloring books, race cars, balls, and games were some of the hundreds of toys that inundated the Florida Polytechnic University Police Department headquarters. The items were part of the largest annual toy drive the agency has organized for children who are spending the holiday season in a hospital room at the Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center. “We have

Winter break campus services and closures

December 13, 2018

We wish you a very pleasant winter break and holiday season. Below outlines closures and activities available throughout the winter holiday break. We look forward to seeing you back on campus on Monday, January 7, 2019. Housing Residence Halls Saturday, Dec. 15: Residence Halls close at noon Saturday, Jan. 5: Residence Halls open for returning students at 8 a.m. Note:

Florida Polytechnic University students aim to reduce drowsy and distracted driving

December 5, 2018

LAKELAND, Fla.–New research by Florida Polytechnic University faculty and students has the goal of detecting and preventing the growing problem of drowsy and distracted driving, one of the main causes of car accidents and fatalities on the roads. The project, under the guidance of Dr. Kanwal Gagneja, assistant professor of computer science, uses a microcomputer, a camera, and a buzzer.

3D printing technology empowers Florida Polytechnic University students creativity

December 3, 2018

When you walk into the Florida Polytechnic University 3D Printing Laboratory, you first notice the distinct humming sound that accompanies the state-of-the-art technology. It’s the sound of plastic filament feeding through a moving brass tip, where it is melted and turned into whatever component has been designed on a nearby computer. There’s been a lot of noise in the lab

Rube Goldberg machines open doors to problem-solving at Florida Polytechnic University

November 30, 2018

Playing cards, dominoes, marbles, soda cans, and even a robotic vacuum cleaner played a key role as Florida Polytechnic University’s students tested the Rube Goldberg machines they created. These items are not often seen in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) class, but they fill several classrooms at the university’s Innovation, Science, and Technology Building. A Rube Goldberg machine

Students showcase high-level game creations at largest Florida Polytechnic University Game EXPO yet

November 30, 2018

Screens full of monsters, wizards, fighters, spells, weapons, and even cats were at the center of the Florida Polytechnic University Game EXPO on Thursday, Nov. 29. Around 50 students presented a total of 24 games to peers, faculty, and industry leaders, featuring a wide variety of characters, interfaces, challenges and player interactions. The event was held in the Saddle Creek

Florida Polytechnic University joins forces with Jacksonville Transportation Authority on self-driving vehicles

November 28, 2018

LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University and the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) announce a collaboration to enhance the development of autonomous vehicle (AV) technology in public transportation. Through a memorandum of understanding, both parties agree to work together to boost the research and application of this cutting-edge technology. “AV technology holds great promise for the whole transportation industry, but it’s

Florida Polytechnic University student gives back aiming to empower girls around the world

November 21, 2018

To say her plate is full is an understatement. Anita Silwal, a Florida Polytechnic University graduate student, is not only in the process of earning a master’s degree in innovation and technology with a concentration in big data analytics, she’s also committed to making a difference in the lives of children in her native Nepal and here in Florida. Silwal

Florida Polytechnic University Foundation Board expands reach across the state

November 20, 2018

LAKELAND, Fla. – The Florida Polytechnic University Foundation announced the addition of two new members to its Board of Directors, broadening its reach to the south and southwest Florida regions. Joining the Board are Ivette A. O’Doski, a Miami-Dade native and owner of a government consulting company, and Joshua McCoy, an expert in commercial, industrial, and government banking. O’Doski is

Thanksgiving holiday campus services and closures

November 16, 2018

We wish you a very pleasant Thanksgiving and want to remind you that there are no classes Wednesday, November 21-Friday, November 23. We look forward to seeing you back on campus on Monday, November 26. The list below outlines closures and activities available through the Thanksgiving holiday. Please contact Tonya Chestnut at 863-874-8622 if you have any questions. Residential Students: Wednesday, November

Florida Polytechnic University celebrates International Education Week with variety of activities

November 14, 2018

In celebration of International Education Week, Florida Poly’s Dining Services team has been busy all week providing a variety of international offerings. Monday’s menu featured a South African milk tart dessert while students had Indian chicken tikki masala on Tuesday. On Wednesday Nov. 14, University President Randy K. Avent joined Executive Chef Peter Gonsalves and Baker Kimberly Payne, as well