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Florida Polytechnic University Men’s Soccer player Fernando Martinez during the University’s first media day.

Florida Poly’s student-athletes take center stage at inaugural media day

With the fall 2026 semester just days away, Florida Polytechnic University’s first student-athletes donned their new uniforms, laced up their cleats and stepped into the spotlight Monday, Aug. 10, for the University’s inaugural media day for the men’s and women’s soccer and cross country teams as they prepare for their first season of competition.

The Commission for Public Higher Education (CPHE) and representatives from Florida Polytechnic University gather during CPHE’s inaugural site visit at the institution on Aug. 5-6.

Commission for Public Higher Education completes first accreditation site visit at Florida Polytechnic University

The Commission for Public Higher Education (CPHE), a nascent institutional accreditor, today announced the successful completion of its inaugural site visit at Florida Polytechnic University on Aug. 5-6, marking a historic milestone for both organizations. The visit was the first conducted by CPHE, making Florida Poly the first institution to advance through this critical phase of the Commission’s accreditation process.

Florida Polytechnic University employees watch the live broadcast of a NASA diver performing an underwater test of the University’s student-designed tool dock as part of NASA’s Micro-g NExT Challenge.

NASA tests Florida Poly student-designed tool to improve spacewalks

When astronauts venture outside the International Space Station to perform critical maintenance, it is essential for them to access and store their tools quickly and conveniently. Every tool must remain securely attached to their spacesuit while still being readily available when needed. A team of Florida Polytechnic University mechanical engineering students spent 10 months developing a one-handed wearable tool dock designed to make that process easier, faster and more efficient. NASA put the team’s tool to the test at Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Florida Polytechnic University senior Avery Reef at his internship location, Watts Water Technologies.

Student internship brings product development ideas to life

Avery Reef, a mechanical engineering student at Florida Polytechnic University, is getting a front-row seat to how products progress from a simple idea to the factory floor. The hands-on experience is helping shape his future engineering career. Reef is an intern with Watts Water Technologies, a global leader in water system solutions.

Polk State College President Anastasios Kamoutsas and Florida Polytechnic University President Devin Stephenson sign an expanded transfer agreement July 30 at Florida Poly’s Barnett Applied Research Center, joined by legislators, trustees, industry representatives and students.

Polk State and Florida Poly partner to build regional STEM pipeline

Polk State College and Florida Polytechnic University have entered into an articulation agreement, establishing the Eagle to Phoenix Pathway program for students. Polk State President Anastasios Kamoutsas and Florida Poly President Devin Stephenson signed the agreement on Thursday, July 30, strengthening the partnership between the institutions and expanding opportunities for students.

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Florida Polytechnic Universitytechnic Professor and Author to Discuss Her Book on Florida Environmentalist

LAKELAND – Florida Polytechnic University Professor Dr. Peggy Macdonald will discuss her new book, “Marjorie Harris Carr: Defender of Florida’s Environment,” at 7 p.m., Jan. 15, at Florida Southern College. Dr. Macdonald is the invited guest speaker in the next lecture in the Florida Lecture Series, sponsored by the Lawton M. Chiles, Jr., Center for Florida History. The lecture is

How to Become an Electrical Engineer: A Counselors Perspective

Students often ask counselors how to become an electrical engineer, or what do you need to become an electrical engineer. While it can vary from person to person, we’ve put together a guide for those looking to pursue an engineering degree. An electrical engineer degree is one of the most popular degree choices for college students today. In everyday life, electrical engineers

Is Electrical Engineering Hard?

An electrical engineering degree is a study of one of the most dynamic branches of engineering and focuses on the application of electricity, electronics and electromagnetism. As a career, electrical engineers work on a wide range of components, devices and systems, from tiny microchips to huge power station generators. Electrical engineers are the individuals who make the systems and create

Three Florida Polytechnic University Teams Win ‘Shark Tank’ Style Competition

LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University is spurring innovation as the organizer and host of an invention competition, similar to the reality show “Shark Tank.” Nine student teams from Florida Polytechnic’s College of Engineering showcased their inventions to a panel of industry experts on Thursday, but only the top three teams won the grand prize – entrepreneurial support from the

Florida Polytechnic University: Already a Family Tradition

Many high school students see college as time to set out on their own, to say goodbye to Mom and Dad and experience independence for the first time. But not Makala Quinn. For her, college has become a family affair. Makala is a freshman at Florida Polytechnic University studying Health Informatics and Cyber Security – side-by-side with her father, a graduate student in the

How is Computer Science Different from Computer Engineering?

When it comes to STEM education, one question that constantly arises is the difference between computer science and computer engineering. When selecting the appropriate major, it’s important to understand what makes each area of study distinct. Computer Science What is computer science engineering? Computer science is the study of how instructions and data are processed and communicated by devices. This

Top 3 Reasons to Choose an Engineering Degree

It’s a big decision – and may well determine your career and professional future. Some may say, one of the biggest decisions of your life. Your passion may be to develop streamlined processes, to solve complex problems, or to generate models via technology. A degree in engineering enables you to make impact, and perhaps change the world. Puzzled about which

The Future of Semiconductor Jobs

They’re found in everything – from the watches we wear, to the computers we work on, to the vehicles we drive. Semiconductor technology has helped industries transform and played a huge role in the history of communication technology. Today, electronic devices are smaller, faster and more reliable, thanks to semiconductors engineering jobs. We expect to be able to transmit and

Robotics Epidemic Comes to Florida Polytechnic University Campus

LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University welcomed more than 100 prominent scientists and physicians from around the world to its campus over the weekend as the host of the Multispecialty Robotic Microsurgery Symposium. The event was part of the fourth annual conference of the Robotic Assisted Microsurgical and Endoscopic Society (RAMSES). University President Dr. Randy K. Avent welcomed the group

The Future of Semiconductor Technology

The semiconductor technology industry is a fast-growing and exciting field in the world of technology. As new generations of semiconductor technology progress, including advancements in fields such as power electronics, microelectronics, medical diagnostic tools, and automotive electric hybrids, the future of semiconductor technology will continue to evolve and broaden at a rapid pace. Semiconductor Technology: A Focus on Near-Term Research

Florida Polytechnic University Students Enjoy Free Bus Rides as the Polytechnic Circuit Express Celebrates Grand Opening

LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University students, faculty and staff have free access to the Polytechnic Circuit Express, thanks to a partnership that officially kicked off Wednesday between the University, Polk Transit and the Cities of Lakeland and Auburndale. A 32-passenger bus provided by the Cities of Lakeland and Auburndale will now connect the University community to popular housing, shopping and

Interesting Semiconductors Process Engineer Jobs

Selecting which college degree to pursue can be an exciting and sometimes, overwhelming process. From electrical engineeringdegrees to a computer engineering degree, it’s important to understand which degree programs are offered at your university, and the potential post-graduate career opportunities in that field. In addition, faculty advisors can be a valuable resource when making your final degree selection. What Is

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.