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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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Florida Polytechnic University students showcase their work at regional technology conference

September 4, 2018

For the first time, students from Florida Polytechnic University showcased their creations at the fourth annual OrlandoiX conference, on Aug. 17-18 in Winter Park, Florida. The event is billed as the Southeast’s largest gathering of creators in virtual and augmented reality, video games, and digital entertainment. It has also drawn industry giants such as Microsoft, Google, IBM, EA Sports, and

A look back at Purple Fire Week

August 31, 2018

Florida Polytechnic University students celebrated the first full week of classes with Purple Fire Week from Aug. 25 -30. The annual five-day spirit-themed event included a number of activities aimed at bringing together new and returning students as they immerse themselves in college life. The event began Saturday, Aug. 25, with an “all-nighter” featuring live music, food, and refreshments to

Top 5 things to enjoy in Lakeland as a college student

August 28, 2018

The new academic year is finally here! The excitement of new challenges fills the air as hundreds of new students arrive on campus to get their college life started. There will be plenty of study time, research projects, clubs, and student meetings in between classes. But as busy as college days may be, there should always be time to enjoy

Already a pilot Florida Polytechnic University freshman now a Phoenix

August 23, 2018

It’s been quite a whirlwind for Slade Rosamond. In less than a year, the Florida Polytechnic University freshman has earned his pilot’s license, received a scholarship from the Central Florida Aerospace Academy (CFAA) Foundation to attend Florida Poly and started his undergraduate career. Rosamond joined about 400 other freshmen at Florida Poly as the fall 2018 semester began this past

Here it is. The official Florida Polytechnic University Mobile app.

August 21, 2018

LAKELAND, Fla.–The wait is over. Florida Polytechnic University will launch its official Florida Poly Mobile app just in time for the start of a new academic year. The app is designed to provide students, faculty, staff, and the general community with everything they need to know about the university in the palm of their hand. The Florida Poly Mobile app

Florida Polytechnic University welcomes back students in its most internationally diverse year

August 20, 2018

LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University is now home to students from 24 countries and five continents, making this year its most diverse international student body to date. They are part of about 400 students joining Florida Poly in this new academic year, looking to become part of the next generation of high-tech leaders. The countries include Germany, South Africa,

Fulbright program taking off at Florida Polytechnic University

August 16, 2018

Florida Polytechnic University continues to expand its international reach through its Fulbright program partnerships. Bobby Acacio and Ecieno Carmona are the latest Florida Poly students to receive prestigious Killam Fellowships through the university’s partnership with Fulbright Canada. Acacio will spend the fall semester at the University of Victoria in Victoria, British Columbia. Carmona will be attending the University of Alberta

Students have more options to refuel at Florida Polytechnic University

August 14, 2018

When it comes to dining options, Florida Polytechnic University students now have more places to go on campus. The beginning of the 2018-19 academic year will also usher in a new era in dining options with the addition of Einstein Bros. Bagels and Tú Taco at the Wellness Center. This gives students, faculty and staff the kind of variety not

Algae expert presents at Florida Polytechnic University on rapidly growing industry

August 13, 2018

A leading researcher in the field of algal-based jobs spoke with a group pf Florida Polytechnic University students and employees Aug. 13. Dr. Ira Levine, the president and board chair of the Algae Foundation shared information about his organization’s work in developing curriculum related to the growing and utilization of algae. The presentation was held in the university’s Innovation, Science

Television show on autonomous vehicles to feature Florida Polytechnic University

August 10, 2018

The development of autonomous vehicle technology has turned into a fierce and complex competition, as major automakers deal with safety issues regarding their self-driving cars and the transportation industry foresees drastic changes. Florida is seizing the challenge and positioning itself to be a leader in this global race, and so is Florida Polytechnic University. This was the topic of the

Florida Polytechnic University receives national award for procurement excellence

August 9, 2018

Florida Polytechnic University has been awarded the prestigious 23rd Annual Achievement of Excellence in Procurement® (AEP) for 2018 from the National Procurement Institute, Inc. (NPI). The annual award recognizes innovation, professionalism, e-procurement, productivity and leadership in the procurement function of public and non-profit organizations. Organizations are selected based upon an arduous review and examination against best practices and standardized criteria.

Florida Polytechnic University receives Duke Energy Foundation grant

August 3, 2018

LAKELAND, Fla. – The Florida Polytechnic University Foundation was awarded a $25,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation. The funds will provide financial support for up to 50 high achieving students who have the goal of graduating with a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) degree. The grant will be administered through the Florida Poly scholarship committee with recipients selected