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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 Poly students hop on thrilling ride with new themed entertainment club

November 22, 2024

Behind the thrilling roller coasters, immersive exhibits and bustling venues that drive Florida’s $120 billion tourism industry lies a powerful network of STEM professionals working hard to engineer, analyze and develop the experiences that attract millions of visitors to the state each year. At Florida Polytechnic University, the future computer scientists, data analysts and engineers who aspire to fill these

Inaugural Presidential Speaker Series explores living on other worlds

November 19, 2024

Experts on the atmospheres and climates of other planets and ways to modify them for the possibility of human habitation gathered at Florida Polytechnic University on Monday, Nov. 18, to participate in a panel discussion on the topic at the institution’s inaugural Presidential Speaker Series event. “This series is all about bringing together thought leaders and innovators who are shaping

Professor’s innovative research paves way for safer, smoother I-4 commute

November 18, 2024

Florida’s Interstate-4 corridor from Tampa to Orlando is notorious for high accidents rates, ranking among the most dangerous highways in the nation. In response, Dr. Rawa Adla, assistant professor of computer engineering at Florida Polytechnic University, is leading innovative research to make I-4 safer for drivers. Through two grants totaling $252,000 from the Florida Department of Transportation as part of

Duke Energy and Florida Poly: Powering the future of STEM innovation

November 14, 2024

A strategic collaboration between energy giant Duke Energy and Florida Polytechnic University is fueling innovation and powering the future of STEM talent. The seven-year relationship has flourished, providing essential support for the University and access to a pipeline of top engineering talent to Duke Energy. Duke Energy and the Duke Energy Foundation have invested over $350,000 into Florida Poly’s programs

Florida Poly students explore innovations at SunTrax testing facility

November 12, 2024

Florida Polytechnic University students had an exciting look at the future of transportation technology this week during a visit to SunTrax, the autonomous vehicle (AV) testing and development facility in Auburndale, Florida. As they toured the cutting-edge facility, the first of its kind in the country, students experienced firsthand how this rapidly evolving technology is rigorously tested and refined in

Florida Poly Rotaract Club steps up to help hurricane recovery efforts

November 8, 2024

When Hurricanes Helene and Milton battered Central Florida and beyond within just two weeks this fall, the Rotaract Club at Florida Polytechnic University sprang into action. With a motto of “Service above self,” the student leadership and community service organization quickly voted to contribute $500 toward hurricane relief efforts. And when they heard that the residents of a nearby senior

New aeronautics-focused club takes flight at Florida Poly

November 6, 2024

A love of aircraft and aerospace is bringing together Florida Polytechnic University students who want to put their engineering know-how to the test while building and flying faster, more aerodynamic model airplanes and helicopters. Flight Club is a new student organization that launched at the beginning of the fall semester, quickly gaining popularity. “I’ve always had an interest in aerospace

Florida Poly international collaboration aims to advance battery cooling innovation

October 30, 2024

An international research partnership at Florida Polytechnic University is developing new technology to improve the performance of batteries that will power the machinery that keeps the world running. Dr. Gerardo Carbajal, an associate professor of mechanical engineering at Florida Poly, is leading two energy-focused projects in collaboration with Dr. Antonio Soria, a professor at the University Carlos III of Madrid

Chemistry Week event captivates with hands-on photography education

October 25, 2024

While many technology and engineering students may not think much about chemistry in their day-to-day studies, a group of chemistry students and faculty aimed to change that with a fun, hands-on event at the Barnett Applied Research Center on Thursday, Oct. 24. Discover the Magic of Chemistry in Photography and Imaging was part of the University’s celebration of National Chemistry

Florida Poly’s new president debuts on prestigious Florida 500 list

October 22, 2024

Dr. Devin Stephenson, president of Florida Polytechnic University, has been named to the prestigious Florida 500, an annual list published by Florida Trend magazine recognizing the state’s most influential executives in diverse economic sectors. This acknowledgment marks Stephenson’s debut on the list, following his appointment earlier this year as Florida Poly’s second president. “I am deeply honored to be recognized

Florida Poly ranks Top 10 in U.S. for career outcomes, No. 1 among public universities

October 17, 2024

Florida Polytechnic University was ranked No. 8 in the nation for top career outcomes for its graduates in WalletHub’s 2025’s Best Universities Ranking, released this week. This recognition placed Florida Poly alongside elite institutions such as the California Institute of Technology, Georgetown University and Duke University. Among public institutions, Florida Poly ranked No. 1 in the country. Additionally, WalletHub ranked

Florida Poly expert explores innovative legacy of citrus flavor technology

October 16, 2024

Florida Polytechnic University had an important presence at a prestigious international conference specifically dedicated to the development and innovation of the citrus flavor and beverage industries. Dr. Robert Kryger, an adjunct professor of physics and a citrus industry veteran, recently highlighted the state’s long history in citrus flavor technology at the annual International Citrus and Beverage Conference in Clearwater, Florida,