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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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Recap of Third Installment of #STEMTalks a Google+ Hangout

October 28, 2015

On Thursday, October 22nd, Florida Polytechnic University hosted the third Google+ Hangout, #STEMTalks. This Google+ Hangout was the third installment of a four part series that featured a panel of technology leaders who discussed the impact of big data, super computers and all things technology. Crystal Lauderdale, the Director of Marketing and Communications at Florida Poly moderated the panel of

Florida Polytechnic University to Hire 70 Full Time Faculty

October 20, 2015

LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University is hiring. The school is actively recruiting new faculty to meet the demands of an increasing student population. As a brand-new institution, having just entered its second academic year, Florida Poly offers faculty the unique opportunity to build a university from scratch and to work in a startup, academic and research environment all in one.

Florida Polytechnic University Foundation Raises More Than $2 Million for Scholarships and University Initiatives

October 9, 2015

The Florida Polytechnic University Foundation announced it has raised more than $2 million so far this year to support student scholarships and the University’s innovative mission. Funds were raised in part through the (BePivotal)2 challenge, a $1 million matching contribution the Foundation announced in July. Sponsorships and guest reservations to the Foundation’s annual PIVOT gala also contributed to jumpstart the organization’s

Florida Polytechnic University Installs First President Dr. Randy K. Avent

October 8, 2015

Florida Polytechnic University installed its first president, Dr. Randy K. Avent, at an inauguration ceremony Thursday morning on campus. The event honored Avent, and celebrated the university’s inaugural year achievements, including the opening of the iconic Innovation, Science and Technology (IST) Building; the arrival of Florida Poly’s first and second classes; and the creation of more than 90 industry partnerships.

Leader Who Nominated Dr. Avent for Poly President to Speak at Inauguration

October 5, 2015

The university leader who nominated Dr. Randy K. Avent for the president’s position at Florida Polytechnic University will be one of the featured speakers during Avent’s official inauguration ceremony on October 8. Dr. Blake Thompson, Vice President and Secretary to the Board of Trustees at The Ohio State University, nominated Avent in 2014 while Florida Poly was conducting a nationwide

7 Things You Will Learn at the Next #STEMTalks

October 1, 2015

Join Florida Polytechnic University professors and industry experts as they discuss the future of big data analytics during the next installment of #STEMTalks, a Google+ Hangout series. Big data analytics is used to discover trends, patterns and correlations using large volumes of data. Analysis of the data provides decision-makers with business intelligence that was not previously available. Learn how big

Top 5 Moments from Part II of #STEMTalks Google+ Hangout

September 25, 2015

Florida Polytechnic University hosted part two of a four-part Google+ Hangout series on September 22, 2015. Panelists discussed the future of autonomous vehicles, robotics and the rise of machines. Crystal Lauderdale, Director of Marketing & Communications at Florida Poly welcomed the following panelists: Dr. Dean Bushey, Visiting Assistant Professor of Computer Science and retired Air Force Colonel who is an

Construction on Florida Polytechnic Universitys Second Residence Hall Underway

September 23, 2015

LAKELAND, Fla. (September 23, 2015) – Florida Polytechnic University is building a second on-campus residence hall for students, scheduled to be complete by fall 2016. Jacksonville-based Vestcor Communities, Inc. will build and operate the five-story, 135,000-square-foot dormitory with 539 beds, primarily in two-bedroom, one-bath suites. Community and University officials gathered Wednesday to mark an important construction milestone during a “Goin’

Lakeland Private Equity Firm Beck Kryger Capital Partners Opens Research Lab Named in its Honor at Florida Polytechnic University

September 22, 2015

LAKELAND, Fla. (September 22, 2015) – The Beck Kryger Capital Partners Research Lab officially opened at Florida Polytechnic University thanks to a naming gift from Lakeland private equity firm Beck Kryger Capital Partners. The newly named facility houses the University’s state-of-the-art Cyber Security Lab. The Beck Kryger Capital Partners gift will support Florida Poly’s robust student scholarship program and will

IST Building Receives Prominent Project of the Year Award

September 16, 2015

LAKELAND, Fla. (September 16, 2015) – Florida Polytechnic University’s iconic Innovation, Science and Technology (IST) Building has won this year’s Global Project of the Year award from Engineering News-Record (ENR), a leading construction industry trade publication. Florida Poly’s IST Building won Best Education/Research Project and Best Specialty Contracting at the Global Construction Summit held earlier this month in New York City. Each

The Florida Polytechnic University Foundation Board Announces Two New Members

September 10, 2015

LAKELAND, Fla. (September 10, 2015) – Seretha S. Tinsley and E. Blake Paul – both long-time Polk County business and civic leaders – have been named to the Florida Polytechnic University Foundation Board, bringing a wealth of experience in leadership, entrepreneurship and community commitment to their roles. The Foundation Board of Directors is responsible for building and managing the financial

Florida Polytechnic University Names First Class of Presidential Ambassadors

September 10, 2015

LAKELAND, Fla. (September 9, 2015) – Florida Polytechnic University President Dr. Randy K. Avent has appointed 16 outstanding Inaugural Class students to serve as Presidential Ambassadors for the 2015-16 school year. Presidential Ambassadors will represent the President and Florida Poly as formal hosts at designated University events, promote the successes and vision of the University, and will work to create

Lakeland Private Equity Firm Beck Kryger Capital Partners Opens Research Lab Named in its Honor at Florida Polytechnic University

September 22, 2015