Class of 2026
Samantha Bentley ’26 didn’t always feel ready to step into leadership or research roles during her time as a computer science student at Florida Polytechnic University, but discovered she grew the most by doing it anyway. “That’s where all my best opportunities have come from,” she said. Bentley will receive her bachelor’s degree at the University’s commencement on Saturday, May 9.
This approach to learning and life has led her to becoming a published researcher, SGA Senate president, and career-ready graduate. After graduation, Bentley is set to begin a full-time position with global engineering company KBR.
Why did you choose your major?
I was drawn to computer science because of the strong career opportunities and financial stability the field offers, but I also genuinely enjoy working with technology. What kept me interested was realizing how flexible the field is. I’ve been able to combine it with areas I care about, like psychology, project management and virtual reality.
What was your greatest accomplishment at Florida Poly?
One of my biggest accomplishments was co-authoring a research paper on virtual reality leadership simulation for introverts, which was accepted to a national conference. On top of that, I placed first in two undergraduate competitions at IEOM (10th North American International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management). The research topic was something I had hoped to pursue before even coming to college, and working with Dr. Abdelwahab Hamam made that possible. His mentorship helped turn that goal into something real.
How well do you feel Florida Poly prepared you for life after graduation?
I’ve always believed college should do three things: help you build a strong network, prove to employers you can handle challenging material, and give you space to explore different interests. Florida Poly gave me all three. The coursework challenged me, and as a smaller school, it allowed me to build meaningful relationships with both peers and faculty. That environment made it easier to take on leadership roles and pursue research opportunities that shaped my direction.
Where did you complete your internship(s) and what did you gain from the experience?
I worked with KBR supporting project management tools using Excel and Power BI. I helped build systems that track project data and improve visibility for teams. What I gained most was an understanding of how technical tools support real decision-making in complex environments, especially in government and defense-related projects. After graduation, I plan to continue working full-time with KBR in a technical role focused on data and project systems, with plans to explore international opportunities.
What are your long-term career goals?
I want to work at the intersection of technology and human behavior, especially in areas like training, simulation, and data-driven decision support. I’m interested in building tools that not only function well, but also help people perform better in real-world environments. As much as I love to think about long-term career goals, I also want a simple life – a house with dogs. Career-wise, I want to do work that makes me happy and fuels that goal.
What advice do you have for an incoming student?
Get involved early, because if you wait until you feel ready, time can pass you by. Most of my growth has come from stepping into opportunities before I felt fully prepared and then learning as I went. Take steps toward your goals, no matter how far-fetched they may seem – start with one step, then another, and just keep going.
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of Q&As featuring Florida Poly Class of 2026 graduates.
Contact:
Lydia Guzmán
Director of Communications
863-874-8557
