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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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Florida PolyCon brings geeky, comic fun back to Lakeland

March 16, 2022

Florida Polytechnic University’s unique daylong celebration of comics, anime, videogames, movies, and all things geek returns to Lakeland, Florida on Saturday, March 19. The student-run Florida PolyCon is one of the University’s largest – and most memorable – traditions. About 2,000 people are expected to attend the event, which is open to the public. The annual event is back after

Florida Poly receives $2.05 million infusion during inaugural Giving Day

March 15, 2022

More than $2 million was raised to support Florida Polytechnic University scholarships, academic departments, and student organizations during the University’s inaugural Giving Day on Monday, March 14. Florida Poly Giving Day 2022 is a 24-hour online fundraising effort to raise money in support of academics, scholarships, student organizations, and more. A total of $2.05 million from 146 donors was raised

Autonomous vehicles inspire leaders at international conference hosted by Florida Poly

March 9, 2022

Global leaders in connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV) research and industry gathered at Florida Polytechnic University to discuss developments in the technology and the future of self-driving cars during the annual Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) International Conference on Connected Vehicles. The hybrid conference was virtual on March 7 and on-site at Florida Poly with satellite locations in

Canadian scholar advances energy research as visiting Fulbright Chair

March 8, 2022

Dr. Jing Jiang, a visiting Fulbright Canada Research Chair from the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario, Canada, is partnering with Dr. Hisham Mahmood, assistant professor of electrical engineering at Florida Polytechnic University, to research new ways to improve the country’s power system resilience. The research chairs program allows exceptional Canadian scholars to conduct research in the United States.

Capstone team designs microgravity simulation device for Florida Space Institute

March 7, 2022

A team of Florida Polytechnic University capstone students is designing a device that will help engineers at Florida Space Institute and the Hawking Center for Microgravity Research effectively perform microgravity simulations. “The goal is to create a device with a chamber in it that is able to drop from a given altitude – 900 feet for us – and from

Global AV technology leader shares insight on industry challenges, rewards, and female encouragement

March 3, 2022

Connected and autonomous vehicle technology experts will gather at Florida Polytechnic University on March 7-9 for the annual Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) International Conference on Connected Vehicles. Among the industry leaders who will share their expertise in this quickly evolving field is Mary Joyce, global vice president and general manager of critical systems and mobility at UL,

Spring break campus services and closures

March 3, 2022

Students will enjoy a much-deserved weeklong break from class starting on Monday, March 7 as spring break begins. We hope you have a safe and fun time and return to classes on March 14 recharged and ready to tackle the end of the semester. The list below outlines closures and services available during spring break. Housing Residence halls will remain

Disney shares magical opportunities with Florida Poly students

March 2, 2022

Michael Tschanz, director of engineering technology and analysis at Walt Disney World, shared with Florida Polytechnic University students the many ways they can put their technical expertise to work in a career with Disney. Tschanz spoke with students at the University recently, during Disney Day at Florida Poly. The daylong event featured presentations by Tschanz and Disney recruiting officials, as

Global tech visionary to speak at Florida Poly’s 2022 commencement

March 1, 2022

The Honorable Zachary J. Lemnios, a renowned thought leader in electrical engineering, former assistant secretary of defense, and former vice president of IBM Research, has been named speaker for Florida Polytechnic University’s spring 2022 commencement. “I’m absolutely delighted because Florida Poly trains and encourages students in fields that are critical for our nation,” Lemnios said. “It’s exciting because as a

Florida Poly Writing Services certified as tutor training program

February 24, 2022

Florida Polytechnic University announced this week that its Department of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences’ Writing Services program has been awarded certification as a Level 1 tutor training program by the internationally recognized College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA). Florida Poly Writing Services successfully completed the International Tutor Training Program Certification peer review process. Achieving this certification means the program

Students shift into high gear to build Florida Poly’s first solar vehicle

February 23, 2022

An interdisciplinary team of Florida Polytechnic University students is revving up to build the University’s first competition-worthy solar vehicle and take on some of the biggest schools in the country. Phoenix Racing launched this spring and a team of students is working to build a solar-powered racecar from scratch to compete in the annual American Solar Challenge Formula Sun Grand

International autonomous vehicle conference set to roll into Florida Poly

February 22, 2022

Connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV) technology will take center stage at Florida Polytechnic University on March 7-9 at an international conference focusing on advances in this rapidly evolving field. Global leaders in transportation, CAV innovation, and infrastructure will take part in the event. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) International Conference on Connected Vehicles is an annual gathering