Nearly 100 Florida Polytechnic University students put their engineering skills to the test at the University’s first-ever Engineering Olympics on Thursday, Sept. 17.
Just two years after graduating from Florida Polytechnic University, Melia Rodriguez ’24 is putting her skills to work on technology used by one of the world’s leading providers of real estate data and analytics. As a software engineer at CoStar Group in Richmond, Virginia, she develops tools that help support critical business operations and the company’s expansion into new international markets.
When Colby Manrodt ’26 stepped up to become president of the Student Government Association (SGA) at Florida Polytechnic University in the fall of 2025, he prioritized strengthening students’ sense of community and restructuring the organization. Now in his second term, the now graduate student aims to take those goals even further.
The Detroit Tigers and Florida Polytechnic University are launching a new partnership that brings together data science, academic research and professional sports to tackle real-world challenges in player health and performance.
Florida Polytechnic University’s data science and computer science programs are earning top recognition in newly released rankings from Research.com, including No. 1 spots among Florida’s public universities and a top 20 national ranking for the University’s undergraduate data science degree.
More than a dozen students, scholars and faculty from around the world are expanding their research and academic experiences through a growing range of international exchange programs at Florida Polytechnic University this semester.
Ecieno Carmona, Mechanical Engineering Mentor: Dr. Sesha Srinivasan This project looks for ways to maximize the effects of UV-visible light to break down the organic contaminants in waste water. A series of 3D printed batch reactors have been designed and successfully commissioned that have act as a shield against the UV light and protect the eyes of the lab personnel.
Geoffrey Doback, Mechanical Engineering Nathaniel Florer, Computer Science Mentor: Dr. Melba Horton Frustules (Silica wall) of the diatom Thalassiosira oestrupii were researched for their capability to capture and store methane gas. Zinc chloride has ability to bond to one of the carbon-hydrogen bonds in methane. Methods of doping the frustules composed of silicon dioxide were explored using the zinc chloride,
Mohammad Bharmal, Science in Innovation and Technology Master Program Mentor: Dr. Muhammad Ullah Scientists and engineers have been striving for over a century to obtain nearly perfect fetal and maternal electrocardiography (ECG) signals out of a feto-maternal ECG complex at low cost. Noise, interference and artifacts make feto-maternal ECG complex hard to analyze precisely and accurately for diagnosis of cardiac
Sean Cloud, Mechanical Engineering Mentor: Dr. Melba Horton The mass production of diatom species for engineering applications is unique compared to other forms of algae, where the diatom’s yield is directly proportional to the surface area available for growth. This offers unique challenges regarding the types of systems that must be constructed for effectively growing diatoms cultures. These containers require
Brian Gray, Mechanical Engineering Mentor: Dr. Melba Horton The search for viable alternatives to fossil fuels is a hot topic worldwide with biofuel being one possible solution. This study seeks to determine the viability of using diatoms found locally from the lakes of Polk County. Diatoms are known for their porous silica shells that are explored for various technological applications.
Jephté Douyon, Science in Engineering Master Program Mentor: Dr. Sesha Srinivasan and Dr. Scott Wallen This project aims to study the physicochemical characteristics and examine the utility of advanced oxidation processes to decontaminate municipal landfill leachate (water percolated through the waste). Many studies have revealed the pollution risk of the leachate and its potential for ground water contamination. Therefore, it
LAKELAND, Fla.–Several Florida Polytechnic University graduate and undergraduate students were recognized this year with the Hays Travel Award, given by the Florida Academy of Sciences (FAS) Council. The award enables students to present their research projects at the upcoming FAS annual conference on March 9 at Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, Florida. “This award is significant because students have
Groundbreaking research is happening at Florida Poly thanks to students who can access the University’s state-of-the-art labs because of philanthropic support. Rabeet Fatmi, now graduated, converted motions of American Sign Language into speech. When completed, the deaf and hearing impaired will be able to converse with anyone using just a pair of armbands and a smartphone. “There are a lot
Students at Florida Poly earn more than a degree. They gain hands-on training for jobs that impact your daily life. Like the lights in your house, for instance. Maya Wilson knows firsthand what it takes to keep the people of Tampa Bay supplied with power. She doesn’t drive a truck or climb poles, but her behind-the-scenes job at Tampa Electric
The president of Florida Polytechnic University, Dr. Randy K. Avent, was invited to testify at the Senate hearing on autonomous vehicles hosted by the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. The hearing entitled “Driving Automotive Innovation and Federal Policies” will be held on Wednesday Jan. 24, starting at 10 a.m. in Washington D.C. Watch real-time starting at 10 a.m. The
Dr. Randy K. Avent, president of Florida Polytechnic University, will play a meaningful role in advancing high-tech economic growth in our region as the new member of The Florida High Tech Corridor Council. The Corridor is an economic initiative that stretches across 23 counties, with the purpose of developing a stronger high-tech industry through partnerships that support research, marketing, entrepreneurship
For the first time, students from Florida Polytechnic University will get the opportunity to share their research with state lawmakers as part of the third annual Florida Poly Day in Tallahassee. The event will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 16, starting at 8:30 a.m. on the third floor of the rotunda in the State Capitol. Nearly 50 students and leaders
