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Alumna’s rising EA career inspires podcast for young professionals in STEM

When Natalie Thompson ’19 settles into her cozy home office, she is working on far more than a passion project. The Florida Polytechnic University data analytics graduate is building a growing platform to help young professionals share their journeys and encourage others to pursue their high-tech career goals.

Florida Poly recaps 2025: A year of bold growth and success

The year 2025 is ending just as audaciously for Florida Polytechnic University as it began. In a year that launched with a public safety-enhancing police invention and drew to a close with nearly $1 billion in economic impact, Florida Poly celebrated progress, expansion and international success.

Florida Poly fuels $952 million in annual economic impact

Florida Polytechnic University is fueling Florida’s economy with more than $952 million in annual economic activity, according to a new study by distinguished economist Dr. Rick Harper. The analysis shows the University contributes over $523 million each year to the state’s gross domestic product (GDP), including more than $117 million directly within Polk County. The […]

Florida Poly opens new hub for innovation: the Gary C. Wendt Engineering Center

Florida Polytechnic University celebrated a major milestone with the debut of its 40,000-square-foot Gary C. Wendt Engineering Center (GCW) on Tuesday, Nov. 18. The $15 million facility adds state-of-the-art laboratory space and equipment designed to elevate student learning, fuel innovation and solidify the University’s role as an economic driver for the state of Florida. The […]

Florida Poly alum at the heart of bioprinting innovation

Dr. Steven Chisolm ’19 believes the future of medicine is being built layer by layer, literally. What may sound like science fiction, such as 3D printing functional hearts or kidneys for transplant, is quickly becoming possible, and he is among the innovators helping turn that vision into reality. A proud Florida Polytechnic University mechanical engineering […]

New podcast spotlights Florida Poly alumni lessons and achievements

Graduation marks a major milestone in a student’s life, but learning doesn’t stop there. A new podcast showcases how Florida Polytechnic University alumni continue to grow, adapt and lead in their fields. Now working in high-tech careers across industries, Florida Poly alumni are sharing their personal journeys, insights and lessons they’ve learned on the “The […]

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.

Dr. Lily Li is a Professor of Physics at Florida Polytechnic University, where she specializes in materials science, analytical imaging, advanced manufacturing, and biomedical devices. Prior to joining Florida Poly in 2025, she spent 11 years at SUNY Potsdam, where she advanced to Full Professor and developed a 3-2 Engineering dual-degree program with Clarkson University. Her work emphasizes experiential learning and research-driven education to prepare students for careers in STEM fields.