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From NASA to startup: Alumna launches AI platform to bridge tech and policy

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

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

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

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

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

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 Work Plan Approved by Board of Governors

The State University System of Florida Board of Governors (BOG) unanimously approved Florida Polytechnic University’s 2013-2014 Work Plan at a meeting at the University of South Florida. Approval of the plan was a major milestone, as it enables Florida Poly to move forward with its strategies to recruit students, hire faculty, develop curriculum and establish industry partnerships. Chairman of Florida

Florida Polytechnic University Has Outstanding Community Support!

Thank you to all the business and community leaders from around Polk County who have shown their support for Florida Poly. Last month, the city of Lakeland, Florida Poly Vision and the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce held a special reception at the Lakeland Center to welcome Ava Parker, Chief Operating Officer. Lakeland Mayor Gow Fields spoke at the reception,

Students Are Enjoying the Merit Summer Robotics Program

The Medical Engineering and Robotics Innovation for Tomorrow (Merit) Summer Robotics Program is in full swing, and the students are having a blast so far! The four-week summer program allows high school students to learn about medical imaging, radiation, pharmacotherapy, renewable energy, sterilization, and surgical robotics. Students attend lectures and learn about the latest medical surgical equipment including the DaVinci robotic

Admissions Team Set to Begin Student Recruitment Process!

Students eager to apply to Florida Poly won’t have to wait much longer, as two seasoned professionals have been hired to head up the recruitment and admissions process. Scott Rhodes has been named the new Executive Director of Admissions and Beth A. Pierpont is the Associate Director. Rhodes has more than 14 years of experience in higher education, leading marketing and enrollment efforts for

Florida Polytechnic University Names First Faculty Member

Robert I. MacCuspie, Ph.D. a research chemist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology has been named the first faculty member at Florida Poly. He has more than seven years of experience working in government national labs and has held research positions at the Air Force Research Laboratory and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In addition to his

Governor Scott Re-appoints Six Trustees

Governor Scott Re-appoints Six Trustees Six members of the Florida Poly Board of Trustees were among 42 people re-appointed to boards and commissions throughout the state by Governor Rick Scott. The trustees include: Mark R. Bostick, of Lake Wales, is the president of Comcar Industries. He is reappointed for a term beginning May 16, 2013, and ending June 30, 2015. Joseph

Non-Tenure Faculty Model and BOG Work Plan Approved

The Board of Trustees has approved several key recommendations that will impact faculty and student recruitment. Based on the recommendation of the Academic Affairs Committee, the Board approved establishing a non-tenure model. Faculty will be offered fixed term, multi-year contracts that will be renewed based on performance. This is a significant decision as Florida Poly expects the first faculty member

Florida Polytechnic University Co-Hosts Robotics Camp

Florida Poly is partnering with the Robotics Institute and Center for Urology at Winter Haven Hospital and All Saints Academy to offer a four-week summer camp that gives high school students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with robotics. The camp begins June 3. The innovative program named MERIT (Medical Engineering and Robotics Innovation for Tomorrow) teaches the future generation,

Florida Polytechnic University Proposes Non- Tenure Model For New Faculty

As Florida Polytechnic University begins its faculty recruitment efforts, the Academic Affairs Committee has proposed that the university adopt a non-tenure model. Instead of tenure, or tenure-track, new faculty members will sign fixed term, multi-year contracts. The contract length will be for either nine or twelve months and may be renewable. “This model ensures a fair and equitable review process

New Bill Will Help Florida Polytechnic University Prepare Students for College

Florida Governor Rick Scott held a press conference in conjunction with his signing of SB 1076 which will provide middle and high school students an opportunity to obtain certifications in various STEM related fields. Florida Polytechnic University COO Ava Parker participated in the event as did state university presidents Machen (UF), Baron (FSU), Robinson (FAMU) and Bense (UWF). The bill

Dr. Santiago Calatrava Attends Topping Out Ceremony

Our new Innovation, Science and Technology Building is one step closer to completion as the steel framework is now finished! To celebrate this milestone, a crowd of more than 250 people joined us for a “Topping Out” Ceremony. Florida Poly Board of Trustees Chair Robert H. Gidel gave the welcome remarks and introduced the keynote speaker – Dr. Santiago Calatrava,