
Student clubs spark competition at first Engineering Olympics
Nearly 100 Florida Polytechnic University students put their engineering skills to the test at the University’s first-ever Engineering Olympics on Thursday, Sept. 17.

Nearly 100 Florida Polytechnic University students put their engineering skills to the test at the University’s first-ever Engineering Olympics on Thursday, Sept. 17.

Just two years after graduating from Florida Polytechnic University, Melia Rodriguez ’24 is putting her skills to work on technology used by one of the world’s leading providers of real estate data and analytics. As a software engineer at CoStar Group in Richmond, Virginia, she develops tools that help support critical business operations and the company’s expansion into new international markets.

When Colby Manrodt ’26 stepped up to become president of the Student Government Association (SGA) at Florida Polytechnic University in the fall of 2025, he prioritized strengthening students’ sense of community and restructuring the organization. Now in his second term, the now graduate student aims to take those goals even further.

The Detroit Tigers and Florida Polytechnic University are launching a new partnership that brings together data science, academic research and professional sports to tackle real-world challenges in player health and performance.

Florida Polytechnic University’s data science and computer science programs are earning top recognition in newly released rankings from Research.com, including No. 1 spots among Florida’s public universities and a top 20 national ranking for the University’s undergraduate data science degree.

More than a dozen students, scholars and faculty from around the world are expanding their research and academic experiences through a growing range of international exchange programs at Florida Polytechnic University this semester.
LAKELAND, Fla. – The Florida Industrial and Phosphate Research Institute at Florida Polytechnic University recently assisted Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. (Nasdaq:OMEX), a pioneer in deep-ocean mineral exploration, in testing and measuring phosphorite core samples from an underwater deposit. Researchers at FIPR conducted metallurgical testing and chemical analysis for an independent technical report on the Oceanica deposit. They analyzed a total
LAKELAND, Fla. – The Mosaic Company (NYSE:MOS) has joined Florida Polytechnic University as its latest industry partner. Florida Polytechnic officials, including President Dr. Randy K. Avent, welcomed Mosaic leaders, including Gary N. “Bo” Davis, Mosaic Senior Vice President, Phosphate Operations, during a partnership signing ceremony today at the university’s Florida Industrial and Phosphate Research (FIPR) Institute in Bartow, Fla. As
LAKELAND, Fla. – The Florida Polytechnic University Board of Trustees has announced the appointment of R. Mark Bostick, president of Comcar Industries, as its new Board Chairman and Frank T. Martin, a senior transportation management executive, as the Vice Chairman. Both appointments are for two-year terms that run to July 31, 2016. Mr. Bostick, of Lake Wales, has been serving
LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University has announced that the Medical Engineering and Robotics Innovation for Tomorrow (merit) program will conclude Thursday evening with a graduation ceremony and presentation of student projects at All Saints Academy in Winter Haven. For a second summer, the merit program introduced area high school students to high-tech innovations with practical applications at the hands-on,
ORLANDO—The Board of Governors Thursday confirmed Dr. Randy K. Avent to be the first leader of the State University System’s newest institution, Florida Polytechnic University. “The Board is pleased to welcome Dr. Avent to our State University System,” said Board Chair Mori Hosseini. “It is no small challenge to guide Florida’s first polytechnic university. But I have no doubt, with
LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University Professor Dr. Robert MacCuspie is an invited speaker at the TechConnect World’s Nanotech conference in Washington, D.C., from June 15-18. Dr. MacCuspie, who directs the University’s Nanotechnology and Multifunctional Materials programs, will present a lecture on June 18 that explores “Measurement methods and approaches for studying silver nanomaterial release.” Dr. MacCuspie writes that, “Silver nanoparticles have been
LAKELAND, Fla. – A charitable electric car marathon from Florida to New York City reached the finish line on Friday, raising more than $12,000 to benefit Florida Polytechnic University scholarships and men’s health research. Florida Poly Foundation Board members Dr. Sijo Parekattil and Rob Kincart, along with Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, drove 1,100 miles from Clermont to Manhattan from June 12-13
LAKELAND, Fla. – A charitable, cross-country electric car marathon that will help fund Florida Polytechnic University scholarships and men’s health research hits the road Thursday, June 12, in Clermont, Florida. The Drive for Men’s Health, featuring two futuristic Tesla vehicles, is set for June 12-13 and is being organized by Florida Polytechnic Foundation Board member Dr. Sijo Parekattil and Dr.
LAKELAND, Fla. – The Florida Polytechnic University Foundation has announced that it is the recent recipient of two major charitable gifts to benefit the University and student scholarships. Saddle Creek Logistics Services, a supply chain solutions firm and one of the University’s industry partners, has pledged $1 million to support scholarships and the University’s mission. Additionally, an anonymous donor is
LAKELAND, Fla. – The Medical Engineering and Robotics Innovation for Tomorrow (merit) program returns to Florida Polytechnic University for a second summer, introducing high school students to high-tech innovations with practical applications, from bio-energy to brain mapping. Partnering with Lakeland Regional Health Systems and All Saints Academy, Florida Polytechnic will host the four-week camp, starting June 2, at the University’s
LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University’s Board of Trustees today approved a contract for employment for Dr. Randy K. Avent who was chosen by the Board in April to be the University’s first president. Dr. Avent is an accomplished academic leader and currently serves as Associate Vice Chancellor of Research Development at North Carolina State University (NC State) where he
LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic Chief Operating Officer Ava L. Parker has announced her support for a charitable cross-country, all-electric car trip that will raise money for men’s health and for University scholarships. The Drive for Men’s Health, set for June 12-13 in a futuristic Tesla vehicle, is being organized by Florida Polytechnic Foundation Board member Dr. Sijo Parekattil and Dr.Jamin