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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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Q&A: Leadership and grit propel first-generation grad to success

April 19, 2022

Vanessa Townsend ’22 has never shied away from an opportunity to learn, grow, or lead. She will receive her bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with a concentration in aerospace from Florida Polytechnic University on May 8. During her time at Florida Poly, Townsend was president of the Campus Activities Board, conference chair for the National Society of Black Engineers, president

Florida Poly honors exemplary employees at 2022 Ablaze awards

April 14, 2022

Outstanding faculty and staff members at Florida Polytechnic University were recognized on Wednesday, April 13, during the University’s fifth annual Ablaze awards ceremony. The event shines a spotlight on the dedication, work, and successes of faculty and staff members and their many contributions to Florida Poly. It was the first time the event was held in person since 2019. The

Q&A: Everything’s going according to plan for computer engineering grad

April 13, 2022

When Javier Lozada ’22 receives his bachelor’s degree in computer engineering with a concentration in embedded systems design from Florida Polytechnic University on May 8, the talented student will be ready to step into a job as a software engineer at L3 Harris Technologies. While at Florida Poly, the native of Pembroke Pines, Florida, maximized the opportunities available to him,

Freshman gets to work inside, outside the classroom

April 12, 2022

Students who head to the Student Development Center (SDC) for a workout are likely to encounter Natasha Gattas’ smiling face welcoming them. The Florida Polytechnic University freshman is among the 27 student employees who help keep the fitness center running and its patrons happy. “I work at the front desk at the SDC, greeting people and introducing them to the

Innovative research creates virtual reality tool to help doctors in training

April 5, 2022

Dr. Doga Demirel, assistant chair of Florida Polytechnic University’s Computer Science Department, is creating a leading-edge virtual reality tool to help doctors learn critical medical procedures commonly performed in emergency rooms, during surgery, and in other medical scenarios. VORTeX – the Virtual Operating Room Team Experience – is a virtual reality surgical simulator to assist in physician education and training.

Q&A: Smashing stereotypes and hitting goals, Hailey Skoglund is ready to make a difference

April 5, 2022

When Hailey Skoglund ’22 arrived at Florida Polytechnic University, she made the decision to embrace everything the University had to offer. She became chief justice of the Student Government Association, a Presidential Ambassador, a tutor, and is a student representative on the Florida Poly Foundation Board. Skoglund also is a full-time intern at the Walt Disney Company as she completes

Florida Poly expands athletics with new archery range on campus

March 31, 2022

Just weeks before his graduation with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Florida Polytechnic University student Bruce Hicks is excited to see his vision for a campus archery range come to fruition. Hicks, a nationally ranked archer training for the 2024 Summer Olympics, is founder and captain of the Florida Poly archery team, which trains to compete at the local,

Bottorff joins Florida Poly as VP of administration and finance

March 29, 2022

Dr. Allen Bottorff has joined Florida Polytechnic University as the new vice president of administration and finance. “I’m feeling super excited; it’s an incredible opportunity,” Bottorff said. “I’ve been watching the University’s development and seen its growth. It’s rare to be able to step into a leadership role so early in an institution’s development.” Bottorff most recently worked at Polk

NSF grant funds research at Florida Poly to develop reliable, energy efficient electronic devices

March 24, 2022

Developing error-resilient and highly energy efficient computing platforms for ultra-low power applications will be the focus of a new research at Florida Polytechnic University funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). Dr. Ashiq Sakib, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, secured the $175,000 grant that could change the landscape of self-powered electronic devices operating on very

Florida Poly graduates earn highest salaries among all public colleges in Florida

March 22, 2022

Florida Polytechnic University graduates earn an average salary of $57,900 one year after graduation, the highest among all state universities, according to the State University System of Florida’s MyFloridaFuture educational research and comparison tool. Florida Poly is the only state university that is 100% dedicated to STEM, and its degrees are aligned to meet the high-tech, high-demand needs of industry

Students Give a Saturday to help others in need

March 21, 2022

For Florida Polytechnic University junior Pressley Hendrix, volunteering and helping has always been second nature. “I grew up volunteering and it always has been part of my life,” said Hendrix, a business analytics major and former Eagle Scout. “Now I try to bring that out in others.” Hendrix again stepped into this familiar role recently when he volunteered to be

Robotics teams take on challengers throughout Florida and the nation

March 17, 2022

Combat and VEX U robotics teams representing Florida Polytechnic University have kicked off the spring competition season with strong showings against their opponents. Two teams from Florida Poly’s Purple Fire Robotics tested their combat robots, Insomnia and Katrina, at the State Fair Frenzy combat competition at the Florida State Fair in Tampa on Feb. 19. Insomnia, a one-pound robot with