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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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German Fulbright scholar explores novel optical fibers at Florida Poly

October 21, 2021

Michael Petry is a world away from his hometown of Karlsruhe, Germany, but he says he’s exactly where he needs to be. Petry is a Fulbright Scholar pursuing a master’s degree in engineering on an electrical engineering track at Florida Polytechnic University. “The main focus of my studies here is research in the field of optical fibers with Dr. Md

Students get hands-on STEM experience at inaugural freshman hackathon

October 20, 2021

Armed with bags of parts, general directions, and a lot of enthusiasm, nearly 400 Florida Polytechnic University freshmen got to work building and coding a functional robotic arm during the first Career Design course hackathon on Friday, Oct. 15. Teams of three to four students were given five hours to assemble, wire, and program the robotic arm to grab and

Florida Poly again achieves top ranks for performance and value

October 19, 2021

Florida Polytechnic University continues to stand out as it maintains its No. 3 ranking within the State University System for offering a top-notch education at an affordable price, according to WalletHub’s 2022’s Best Universities Ranking. The University also ranked No. 4 among all higher education institutions in Florida. Nationally, Florida Poly ranked No. 10 for best cost and financing, and

Florida Poly launches new Women’s Club Soccer team

October 19, 2021

A new and excited Florida Polytechnic University Women’s Club Soccer team has taken the field and is ready to take on the competition. The team began coming together in the spring, championed by an effort from business analytics sophomore Madi Yonash. She played the sport her entire life and while she considered playing at the NCAA level, Yonash decided to

Transfer student finds personal, academic success

October 18, 2021

Alex Whitworth is having the college experience he always wanted at Florida Polytechnic University. He’s involved in multiple organizations, plays lacrosse, works in the admissions office, and is taking courses that challenge and inspire him. “I’m the type of person to go above and beyond,” said Whitworth, a junior majoring in computer science with a concentration in game development and

Renowned engineering academic joins Florida Poly as department chair

October 14, 2021

When introducing students to electrical and computer engineering, Dr. Bruce Jacob has an eye-catching visual aid that grabs their attention. “I walk out with an electric guitar, point to the front, and say, ‘This is electrical engineering.’ There’s a powerful inductor, which is a type of antenna that’s good at picking up disturbances in magnetic fields and it produces a

New applied mathematics chair brings wealth of research, curriculum experience

October 13, 2021

As the new chair of Florida Polytechnic University’s Department of Applied Mathematics, Dr. Michael Brilleslyper is working on a formula to elevate the department to the next level. “The idea is that applied mathematicians are versatile,” said Brilleslyper, who joined the University this summer after a 21-year career at the Air Force Academy. “Students with an applied mathematics skillset can

Florida Poly Men’s Lacrosse accepted to major conference

October 12, 2021

Only seven months after playing its first game, the Florida Polytechnic University Men’s Lacrosse team has been accepted into the Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association (MCLA) and the group’s SouthEastern Lacrosse Conference (SELC). Now that Florida Poly is in the MCLA and SELC, it will play against teams from institutions such as the University of Florida, The Citadel, University of South

Students, employers connect at hybrid fall career fair

October 8, 2021

Ryan Sobolewski donned his sharpest business wear and set out to impress the recruiting representatives from high-tech companies looking for team members at the Fall 2021 Career and Internship Fair at Florida Polytechnic University on Thursday, Oct. 7. Although he was eager to meet with many of the companies present, Sobolewski had his heart set on making a connection with

Florida Poly president three-peats as one of Florida’s most influential leaders

October 4, 2021

Dr. Randy K. Avent, president of Florida Polytechnic University, has been recognized as one of Florida’s most influential business leaders for the third consecutive year by Florida Trend magazine. The publication released its annual Florida 500 list on Monday, Oct. 4, highlighting the state’s top leaders in several economic sectors. “I am honored to receive this distinction because it reflects

Phoenix Family Day offers fun, exploration for students and their families

September 23, 2021

Florida Polytechnic University students will welcome their families to campus this Saturday, Sept. 25, at the annual Phoenix Family Day. The annual event is one of the University’s proudest traditions. In addition to offering students a chance to show their loved ones around campus, families will have an opportunity to learn about the resources available to Florida Poly students and

Florida Poly wins NSF grant to research durability of 3D-printed jet engine materials

September 21, 2021

With the advanced technology of today’s rockets and jet engines, these powerful devices require metal parts that are stronger than ever. An engineering professor at Florida Polytechnic University has received a National Science Foundation grant to research the durability and longevity of the critical metals now used in these ever-changing machines. Dr. Sanna Siddiqui, assistant professor of mechanical engineering at