Polk County lakes researched as source of biofuel
Students at Florida Polytechnic University are looking into ways of creating a source of biofuel by using algae known as diatoms, which are found in Polk County lakes. The search for viable alternatives to fossil fuels is a hot topic worldwide with biofuel being one possible solution. This study, headed by professor of biology Dr. […]
Florida Polytechnic University wins first National Science Foundation Research Grant
Florida Polytechnic University was awarded its first National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to sponsor a cutting-edge research project proposed by computer science professors Drs. Luis Jaimes and Ilhan Akbas. The research on cyber-physical systems applications focuses on crowd-sensing to leverage the power of crowds to monitor a variable of interest such as temperature, pollution or […]
Florida Polytechnic University developing Happy Suit for Astronauts
Faculty and students at Florida Polytechnic University are developing a critical component for the next generation of spacesuits that will not only make astronauts more comfortable and efficient, but will also keep them happy. Depression is a major problem in space, as astronauts can be adversely affected by factors like insufficient exercise, excessive exposure to […]
Students Finish Second In City Planning Competition
A student-developed plan that models the city of Jacksonville’s vision for an autonomous public transportation system earned a second-place finish recently for Florida Polytechnic University. The design was one of six presented Nov. 9 at the Urban International Design Contest in Las Vegas. Teams from universities around the globe entered their vision for how new modes of […]
Student Presents Biometric Password to NSA
Trying to keep track of a dozen passwords is an accepted part of today’s modern society. But what if your password was literally unforgettable? Florida Polytechnic University Sophomore Austin Lubetkin has a working prototype of a program that relies on eye movements while reading to secure your assets, not letters or characters. His research paper […]
Growing Up: Florida Polytechnic University’s Vertical Garden
Technology is weaved into everything at Florida Polytechnic University — including the food. The Wellness Center on campus recently debuted a hydroponic herb garden that grows vertically on the wall behind one of the food stations. The garden was built and is maintained by Seed2Source, a Central Florida consulting firm that promotes sustainable solutions for […]
Florida Polytechnic University Student Brings Research Talent to NASA
Getting to Mars takes more than rockets. Hundreds of people are working on the logistics of sending astronauts to the red planet, from staying fit to entertainment on the long ride. Among them is Florida Poly rising Junior Payton Barnwell, who spent the summer testing the optimal conditions to grow plants in space. It’s familiar […]
Mosquito Busters: The Next to Tackle Disease
Zika virus, meet your match. A pair of Florida Polytechnic University students are researching a method for eliminating mosquitoes without the use of chemicals or hurting other insects. Their weapon is an audible frequency that disturbs a fine-tuned sensory organ called scolopidia. Scolopidia are ordinarily used to detect predators like an incoming dragonfly, but a […]
StrikeSense: The Next To Revolutionize Sports
Jenario Johnson has an invention he thinks is a knockout. It’s called StrikeSense, and it answers a problem the Florida Poly junior noticed in his martial arts classes. Two instructors teaching a class of 20 couldn’t accurately keep track of a student’s individual progress. StrikeSense uses an accelerometer to measure in real time the velocity […]
Hot Topic: The Next to Reimagine Energy
Think about how much heat builds up inside an attic on a summer day. Now, convert that heat into a source of energy and you’ve got the basis for Michael Jernigan’s latest invention. It’s called “HeatRise,” and it harnesses differences in temperatures to power a light source. For Michael, a sophomore from Winter Haven studying […]
