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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: Class of 2025 student speaker ready to inspire and launch career

April 11, 2025

Raúl Lopez III ’25 never hesitated to step up throughout his years at Florida Polytechnic University, co-founding student organizations and achieving big academic goals. When the computer science major addresses his fellow graduates as the student commencement speaker on Sunday, May 4, Lopez will encourage the crowd to believe in themselves, no matter the situation. “I’m so proud and honored

IFF Unveils Cutting-Edge Citrus Innovation Center at Florida Poly

April 9, 2025

IFF (NYSE: IFF) today announced the opening of the Citrus Innovation Center in Lakeland, Florida, in partnership with Florida Polytechnic University. This 30,000 square foot facility encompasses state-of-the-art capabilities in botanical research leveraging its LMR by IFF natural ingredients expertise, processing, analytics, product creation for scent and taste, and includes a 360-degree digital immersion room. Designed with sustainability in mind,

From students, for students: Florida Poly SGA invests $250K in Student Achievement Center

April 7, 2025

The Student Government Association (SGA) at Florida Polytechnic University has allocated $250,000 from its funding reserves to support the construction of the new Student Achievement Center on campus. The Student Achievement Center (StAC) – an $85 million, 138,400-square-foot building – is in its design phase and is expected to open in 2030. The facility is intended to be a hub

Florida Poly hosts Polk County high school leaders for in-depth campus experience

April 4, 2025

Nearly 50 high school principals from across Polk County, Florida, experienced firsthand the exceptional future that awaits the state’s brightest students at Florida Polytechnic University. Gathering for their quarterly meeting at the Lakeland campus on Thursday, April 3, the administrators explored the institution’s state-of-the-art facilities, dynamic learning atmosphere, and innovative curriculum that are the hallmarks of Florida’s only all-STEM university.

Florida Poly president joins global luminaries with European academy honor

April 2, 2025

Dr. Devin Stephenson, president of Florida Polytechnic University, has been awarded the distinguished honor of becoming a correspondent academician of the Royal European Academy of Doctors (RAED). The international recognition underscores his significant contributions to academia and leadership. “It is a profound privilege to be selected as a correspondent academician of the Royal European Academy of Doctors,” Stephenson said. “This

Florida Poly explores STEM opportunities in motorsports

March 28, 2025

Florida Polytechnic University students, faculty, and staff participated in an in-depth exploration of STEM applications in the motorsports field at the recent Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring. The opportunity, made possible by Mark Wilson, president and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, and John Doonan, president of the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA), provided valuable insights into career

Florida Poly’s 25/30 Strategic Plan approved, paving way for new era of growth

March 26, 2025

The Florida Board of Governors has approved Florida Polytechnic University’s 25/30 Strategic Plan, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s trajectory toward academic excellence, impactful growth, and industry engagement. The plan outlines the University’s priorities and initiatives over the next five years, and was given the green light during the Board’s meeting on March 26. Key goals of the plan

Innovation and STEM excellence take over Capitol during Florida Poly Day

March 21, 2025

Florida Polytechnic University showcased its commitment to innovation in the Rotunda at the State Capitol, engaging legislators, staff, and visitors with an immersive display highlighting academic excellence and industry-driven STEM education. Florida Poly Day at the Capitol, held on March 20, provided a prominent platform to highlight the University’s unique position as the state’s only public university exclusively dedicated to

Florida Poly hosts panel on careers in defense and the military

March 18, 2025

Florida Polytechnic University’s Office of Public Policy Events hosted a thought-provoking panel discussion on Monday, March 17, examining the intersection of personal values, professional expertise, and the profound impact of service in defense-related careers. The event was titled Morals, Skills and Service: A Discussion on Working in Defense and the Military, and delved into how personal ethics and professional skills

Phoenixes celebrate grand opening of Florida Poly Campus Store

March 17, 2025

Florida Polytechnic University celebrated the grand opening of a brand-new campus store, a vibrant spot for students, faculty, and visitors to discover the latest branded gear, essential classroom supplies, and unique items to showcase their Phoenix pride. “Today is more than just a ribbon-cutting ceremony – this is a celebration of our growth, our pride, and the vibrant community we’re

Chancellor Ray Rodrigues to inspire Florida Poly graduates as 2025 commencement speaker

March 14, 2025

LAKELAND, Fla. – Ray Rodrigues, chancellor of the State University System (SUS) of Florida, has been announced as Florida Polytechnic University’s 2025 commencement speaker. The event is set for May 4. “It is an honor to be selected to address graduates at Florida’s only public university exclusively focused on STEM,” Rodrigues said. “Florida Polytechnic University leads the State University System

Florida Poly research tackles smelly water issue in Winter Haven

March 12, 2025

LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University’s Dr. Jun Kim is stepping in to sniff out solutions to an unusual water problem in Winter Haven, Florida, through research that could have a global impact. The assistant professor of environmental engineering is leading a two-year research project focused on using advanced treatment processes to eliminate an unpleasant odor affecting the city’s water