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.
A Florida Polytechnic University professor had a direct impact last week on forecasting Hurricane Harvey’s devastating path through south Texas. Dr. Suleiman Alsweiss was a scientist at the Center for Satellite Applications and Research, part of the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), prior to joining Florida Poly as a professor of Electrical Engineering. When the tropical depression swirling in
“Downtime” isn’t a word in the vocabulary of most Florida Polytechnic University students. That was certainly the case with Damon Plyler, Nick Fauble and Blake Taunton, three students who found themselves with two empty weeks after wrapping up summer classes. Instead of taking it easy, the trio dove headfirst into a project to launch a weather balloon during last week’s
Getting to Mars takes more than rockets. Hundreds of people are working on the logistics of sending astronauts to the red planet, from staying fit to entertainment on the long ride. Among them is Florida Poly rising Junior Payton Barnwell, who spent the summer testing the optimal conditions to grow plants in space. It’s familiar territory for Payton, who is
Celeste Ramirez is building worlds. More specifically, she’s developing the world of Deadwood, a video game in development from Steamroller Studios in Eustis, Fla. Steamroller Studios is a full-service programming, concept art and animation studio, with a team who has worked on games like Rise of the Tomb Raider, Worms W.M.D. and Deus Ex: Mankind Divided. Celeste, a rising Junior
LAKELAND, Fla. – The Florida Polytechnic University Foundation, Inc. has received a $50,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation for scholarships. The funds will be directed towards the University’s competitive scholarship program to provide financial support to qualified students. The Duke Energy Foundation grants are dedicated to enhancing educational programs focused on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), childhood reading
The fourth annual Drive for Men’s Health kicked off Monday morning with a check presentation to boost scholarships at Florida Polytechnic University. South Lake Hospital in Orlando was the starting point for a cross-country trip intended to raise awareness about men’s health issues. The first stop on the drive is New Orleans, followed by Houston, Los Angeles and Salt Lake
It’s said there’s an app for everything — and that includes picking out a couch. Building out this technology at Badcock Furniture & More is a team of programmers, including Florida Polytechnic University Senior Rhett Fitchett. Rhett interned over the summer as part of the web integrations team at the Mulberry, Fla., headquarters of the furniture store. The role introduced
Developing the next wave of Florida’s high-tech business leaders was the focus of U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta’s visit Friday to Florida Polytechnic University. The visit included a meeting between University leadership and the Secretary to discuss Florida Poly’s unique approach to high-tech higher education, the creation of highly skilled jobs and the impact on the economy. The Secretary
I’m Richy Truncale, admissions counselor at Florida Poly covering the greater Tampa Bay area. I’ve worked for Florida Poly since July, spending most of my time on the road visiting high schools and speaking with students about the opportunities available at Florida Poly. I visit about 10 to 12 schools a week, speaking with counselors and answering questions prospective students
You’ve heard of smart phones and smart cars. But how about a smart toaster? A team of Florida Polytechnic University students have developed a prototype toaster that delivers a perfectly toasted piece of bread every time. The project was creative enough to snag third place at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s recent Hackriddle. “It was an exciting end to the weekend,” says
Zika virus, meet your match. A pair of Florida Polytechnic University students are researching a method for eliminating mosquitoes without the use of chemicals or hurting other insects. Their weapon is an audible frequency that disturbs a fine-tuned sensory organ called scolopidia. Scolopidia are ordinarily used to detect predators like an incoming dragonfly, but a small scale test has shown
LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University was granted initial regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award bachelor’s and master’s degrees, a significant milestone the University has diligently worked toward since its founding. This decision means future Florida Poly graduates, and those who graduated earlier this year, will have a degree from
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.
