
Florida Poly kicks off women’s soccer program with inaugural head coach
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 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.

The laboratory became like a second home to Sabrina Roggero ’26 as she pursued an environmental engineering degree at Florida Polytechnic University. She worked alongside faculty on research to help improve a municipal water supply, gather insight on insects, and connect with public school students.

The nation’s skies have grown busier each year, with a surge in the number of drones taking flight. With this in mind, a panel of experts discussed how this rise in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology is reshaping public space, privacy and regulation.

For Florida Polytechnic University electrical engineering major Josh Alletto ’26, earning his bachelor’s degree on May 9 will mark the culmination of four years of hard work and determination.

Florida Polytechnic University’s newest high-tech addition is making dining on campus a little easier, and a lot more fun. With just a few taps on a phone screen, autonomous delivery robots can quickly deliver bagels, burritos, lattes and much more to Phoenixes throughout campus.

LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University will consider an adjustment to its out-of-state tuition rates following recent authorization by the Florida Board of Governors.

Florida Polytechnic University’s annual Giving Day on March 11 soared past its $100,000 fundraising goal, securing $128,389 to support student success, hands-on learning, and the University’s singular STEM mission.

Florida Polytechnic University is launching its first-ever summer camp, the Phoenix STEM Academy, offering students entering grades 3-12 an immersive, hands-on experience designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and confidence in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

For decades, scientists have struggled to quickly and affordably the detect microplastics and nanoplastics polluting the world’s water. Researchers at Florida Polytechnic University are working on a new approach that could change that.

Florida Polytechnic University students recently faced a high-stakes cybersecurity challenge, working to defend a simulated company network at the highly competitive Southeast Regional Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition.

James Andrews ’22 is working to ensure the safety of the nation’s military, defense and law enforcement teams as an electrical engineer at Alakai Defense Systems.

Florida Polytechnic University, recognized for its high-quality, in-demand STEM graduates, is elevating the student experience with the launch of Florida Poly Athletics, a new collegiate athletics program debuting this fall.

Florida Polytechnic University is expanding its international impact through a new agreement with the Fulbright Commission in Ecuador, creating new pathways for student exchanges and joint research advancements in STEM fields.












Dr. Lily Li is a Professor of Physics at Florida Polytechnic University, where she specializes in materials science, analytical imaging, advanced manufacturing, and biomedical devices. Prior to joining Florida Poly in 2025, she spent 11 years at SUNY Potsdam, where she advanced to Full Professor and developed a 3-2 Engineering dual-degree program with Clarkson University. Her work emphasizes experiential learning and research-driven education to prepare students for careers in STEM fields.