After more than eight years in the U.S. Air Force, Shaina Kesti is preparing for a new mission: using engineering to help fellow veterans regain mobility and independence. As Kesti looked toward her future, the Florida Poly freshman and computer engineering major channeled an interest in robotics and a desire to help people who have lost limbs.
Florida Polytechnic University and SelectFlorida have established a strategic partnership to attract high-value investment, advance technology infrastructure and expand Florida’s competitiveness in fast-growing commercial sectors.
Florida Polytechnic University and South Korean technology company Two-N Co., Ltd. joined forces on Oct. 29, to launch research in critical mineral recovery from phosphate mining byproducts. The collaboration establishes a multi-year framework for technical exchange, joint research and testing using advanced membrane distillation technology.
Research advancing scientific knowledge and technology has earned five Florida Polytechnic University faculty members a place on Stanford University’s 2026 World’s Top 2% Scientists list.
Dr. Devin Stephenson, president of Florida Polytechnic University, has been named to Florida Trend magazine’s prestigious Florida 500 list for the third straight year, recognizing his leadership and growing influence in advancing STEM education and economic development.
Florida Polytechnic University’s new athletics program has received its first philanthropic gift, a $60,000 contribution from longtime Lakeland residents Bob and Deedra Knight. The milestone donation marks an exciting step forward for Florida Poly Athletics as the University builds its inaugural sports teams and gains support from the local community.
Florida Poly senior Joseph Noble is taking on a global challenge that could help transform the use of generative artificial intelligence in mechanical engineering. Noble, a computer engineering major, is working at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) in Germany this summer as part of the country’s prestigious DAAD RISE program.
Florida Polytechnic University has named Nikki Jessee as the first head coach of its women’s basketball program, adding another experienced leader as the University continues to build Florida Poly Athletics.
Florida Polytechnic University has been recognized with the prestigious 2026 Ellucian Impact Award for transforming the student experience through advanced technology solutions that improve student success and operational efficiency.
Four Florida Polytechnic University esports teams recently donned their digital armor, stepping onto the national stage and battling top programs from institutions such as Purdue University, Georgia Tech, and the University of Michigan.
Florida Polytechnic University has named Jack Paris as the first head coach of its women’s soccer program as the University continues building its new athletics department.
Florida Polytechnic University marked a significant milestone on Saturday, May 9, celebrating its largest graduating class to date as more than 430 students crossed the stage at the University’s 2026 commencement.
Andrew McDonnell ’26 never stopped dreaming about the stars. As a child, he looked up at the sky, wondering what was out there, and that curiosity followed him to Florida Poly, where he pursued a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, took aerospace courses, and worked on a lunar mobility senior capstone project. He graduates on May 9.
Florida Polytechnic University has reached on-campus housing capacity for the upcoming academic year, reflecting continued strong demand and record student interest.
Florida Polytechnic University inducted 12 students into its highly selective Presidential Ambassadors program, where they will serve as official student representatives at key University events and engage with campus and community leaders.
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. She will receive her bachelor’s degree on Saturday, May 9.
More than 360 Florida Polytechnic University seniors presented high-tech, industry-sponsored projects at the eighth annual Capstone Design Showcase on Wednesday, April 29, gaining hands-on experience and solving real-world challenges.
Florida Polytechnic University has named Mike Settle as its inaugural head softball coach, adding a veteran leader with deep Polk County roots to the University’s new Florida Poly Athletics program.
