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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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Kelli Stargel named VP at Florida Polytechnic University

March 3, 2025

Florida Polytechnic University has named former State Sen. Kelli Stargel as its new vice president for strategic initiatives, development, and external relations. Stargel previously was the University’s associate vice president for strategic relationships. She joined Florida Poly in February 2023 after serving in the Florida Senate for 10 years. She also served two terms in the Florida House of Representatives.

Florida Poly recognized as top producer of U.S. Fulbright STEM scholars

February 25, 2025

Florida Polytechnic University has earned the prestigious designation as a Fulbright Top Producing Institution, an honor awarded by the U.S. Department of State for its commitment to global academic excellence. Only 130 of the nation’s four-year institutions – just 5% – earned a spot in the ranking. The recognition celebrates colleges and universities nationwide with the highest number of candidates

Families explore Florida Poly’s campus and vision at Phoenix Family Day

February 24, 2025

The Florida Polytechnic University campus rolled out the red carpet for students’ families and loved ones during the annual Phoenix Family Day on Sunday, Feb. 22. Hundreds of people attended [EJ1] the event, exploring campus, engaging in hands-on activities, and immersing themselves in Florida Poly’s unique culture. The day also celebrated Solaris, the University’s larger-than-life mascot, with a birthday bash

Florida Poly global top scientist joins prestigious Fulbright Specialist Roster

February 17, 2025

Dr. Ajeet Kaushik, a leading researcher in nanotechnology and biosensors and recognized among the top 2% of scientists worldwide, has earned a highly prestigious academic opportunity. Kaushik, assistant professor of chemistry at Florida Polytechnic University, has been named to the Fulbright Specialist Roster by the U.S. State Department. This distinction positions him to collaborate on specialized projects at institutions across

Dr. Randy Avent honored as Florida Poly president emeritus

February 13, 2025

The Florida Polytechnic University Board of Trustees has honored Dr. Randy K. Avent with the title of president emeritus, recognizing his exceptional leadership and lasting contributions to the University. The designation, reserved for former presidents who have served with distinction, was conferred during the Board’s meeting on Feb. 12. Avent was Florida Poly’s first president, leading the 100% STEM institution

High-tech employers draw record crowds of students to spring career fair

February 12, 2025

With nearly half of Florida Polytechnic University’s student population in attendance, employers filled the University’s Barnett Applied Research Center on Tuesday, Feb. 11, to recruit, interview and hire interns and full-time employees at the 2025 Spring Career and Internship Fair. About 750 students – or 45% of Florida Poly’s student population – donned their best business wear and worked to

Florida Poly hosts panel discussion on academic expression

February 11, 2025

The Office of Public Policy Events at Florida Polytechnic Hosted its first panel discussion of 2025 on Tuesday, Feb. 11. The event was the third in its Guardians of Democracy series taking place throughout the academic year. “We hold these events twice a semester so our University community and the public can come together and talk about how we can

Florida Poly tops the state for value, earns national top 10 spot in new rankings

February 7, 2025

Florida Polytechnic University is the No. 1 best value college in the state and No. 2 best value college in the South, according to new rankings released by Research.com, an online higher education resource. The 2024-2025 Best Colleges in America rankings also list Florida Poly as a top 10 best value college in the United States. Research.com determined best value

New Electrochemical Society chapter to boost undergraduate research

February 6, 2025

Florida Polytechnic University launched a new Electrochemical Society (ECS) student chapter, empowering aspiring researchers with new opportunities to make a global impact. “Initiatives like this really solidify this institution, this university, as a catalyst for academic excellence and progress,” Dr. Devin Stephenson, Florida Poly’s president, said to the new organization’s members. “I encourage all of you to seize the moment,

Florida Poly and Catapult team up to ignite tech innovation and economic growth

February 3, 2025

Florida Polytechnic University has partnered with Catapult Lakeland, an entrepreneurial business incubator, to boost STEM education and drive innovation, entrepreneurship and economic development in Lakeland and the region. Leaders from the two organizations signed a memorandum of understanding on Friday, Jan. 31 at Catapult in Downtown Lakeland. The partnership seeks to empower students and faculty with hands-on STEM education and

Patent expert inspires hundreds of Florida Poly innovators

January 31, 2025

A standing-room-only crowd of aspiring inventors and innovators gained valuable insight on how to protect the rights to their one-of-a-kind inventions, designs, and processes during a presentation by Anton Hopen, a U.S. registered patent attorney and managing partner at the Law Office of Smith & Hopen. The Jan. 24 event at Florida Polytechnic University focused on the critical role of

Florida Poly Lego Society builds community, creativity

January 28, 2025

Brick by brick, members of the Lego Society at Florida Polytechnic University build a world where students can have fun, challenge themselves and create something new. “It’s something that is easy for people to work together on and practice some low-stakes teamwork,” said Colby Mullin, the club’s president. “You start to get certain skills while you’re bringing something amazing into