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Loved ones share in the college experience at Phoenix Family Day

September 22, 2025

Florida Polytechnic University buzzed with energy on Saturday, Sept. 20, as more than 850 parents, siblings and friends joined students on campus for the annual Phoenix Family Day. Visitors explored the University, played games, tackled hands-on STEM challenges and experienced firsthand the vibrant spirit of the Florida Poly community alongside their favorite Phoenix student. Gladys Diaz, from Miramar, Florida, joined

Colombian National Team coach brings World Cup experience to Florida Poly soccer players

September 19, 2025

Legendary Colombian soccer coach Nelson Abadía brought his expertise and inspiration to Florida Polytechnic University on Thursday, Sept. 18, as he observed the men’s and women’s soccer teams in training and shared advice to strengthen their game. “It was unforgettable. Coach Abadía brought so much knowledge, and his presence alone elevated the atmosphere,” said Sebastian Anzola, captain of Florida Poly’s

Florida Poly professor’s powerful new tool brings higher accuracy to nuclear physics

September 15, 2025

Dr. Ian Bentley, chair of the Department of Physics at Florida Polytechnic University, developed a new machine learning model to improve predictions of nuclear binding energies.

Students face off in epic Humans vs. Zombies Nerf battle

September 12, 2025

A “zombie infection” overtook Florida Polytechnic University during the week of Sept. 8, slowly spreading from three infected students to nearly all the players in a campuswide Humans vs. Zombies Nerf dart battle.

Expert panel explores phosphate mining and its impacts

September 10, 2025

A panel discussion at Florida Polytechnic University on Monday, Sept. 8, examined the history, benefits and future of phosphate mining.

From NASA to startup: Alumna launches AI platform to bridge tech and policy

September 5, 2025

Payton Barnwell ’19 has dedicated her successful high-tech career to creating meaningful impact through innovation. She helped optimize space station crops as a NASA intern, worked in mission control at Virgin Galactic, and led geospatial product development at SkyFi, creating easy-to-use tools from complex data and imagery. Now, the Florida Polytechnic University alumna has embarked on a new adventure. Barnwell

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The face behind the Phoenix – meet Florida Poly’s first mascot

May 8, 2023

When Solaris, Florida Polytechnic University’s life-size Phoenix mascot, was unveiled in the fall of 2020, one of the biggest questions on campus was who was the lucky student who got to wear the vibrant purple suit? Solaris, who gained its name in the spring of 2023, soon started popping up at University events across campus and in the region. Its

Florida Poly celebrates STEM grads at 2023 commencement

May 7, 2023

Florida Polytechnic University celebrated the graduation of more than 200 bachelor’s and master’s degree candidates on Sunday, May 7, at its 2023 commencement ceremony. The event was held at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland, Florida. “It’s all happening very fast – I’m nervous but I’m also excited,” said Gabriel Sladecek, who received his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. “I’m

US News: Florida remains nation’s #1 for higher education

May 3, 2023

U.S. News & World Report has once again named Florida the top state in the country for higher education. Florida’s higher education system has held the top spot since the inception of the rankings in 2017. Florida Polytechnic University is one of 12 public institutions within the State University System. “It is exciting to see how the hard work of

Q&A: Computer science grad to fulfill beloved promise at graduation

May 3, 2023

Mykell Spencer ’23 was a collector of friends and experiences during his four years at Florida Polytechnic University. He will receive his bachelor’s degree in computer science with a concentration in game development and simulation on May 7. During his time at Florida Poly, he was involved in many campus activities, including serving as chief justice of the Student Government

Florida Poly celebrates Order of the Engineer inductees

May 1, 2023

Florida Polytechnic University inducted 72 graduates and alumni into the Order of the Engineer, an association for graduate and professional engineers and an important annual tradition created to foster a sense of pride and responsibility in those entering an engineering career. The University celebrated two induction ceremonies this year, one for 38 new graduates on April 26 and a second

Q&A: Business analytics grad ready to launch into high-tech career

April 28, 2023

Adriana Pinto ’23 will receive her bachelor’s degree in business analytics with a concentration in intelligent mobility on Sunday, May 7. The student from Irvine, California, worked as an admissions ambassador during her time at Florida Poly. She is excited to put her education to work after graduation as a technology consultant for global consulting firm Protiviti in New York

Florida Poly researchers’ work lays foundation for expanded high-speed internet access

April 27, 2023

Work by an interdisciplinary team of Florida Polytechnic University researchers helped Polk County, Florida, officials apply for two grants totaling more than $41.5 million to close the gap in broadband connectivity The 11-member research team conducted a feasibility study to address the insufficient broadband coverage problems in the county, and provide documentation to impact policies, influence legislation, and help acquire

High-tech industry-sponsored projects featured at 2023 Capstone Showcase

April 26, 2023

Twenty-nine teams of Florida Polytechnic University students displayed their completed industry-sponsored, leading-edge projects at the fifth annual Capstone Design Showcase on Wednesday, April. 26. The capstone program tasks multidisciplinary teams of students to work together to complete a real-world challenge presented by a project sponsor. The students work throughout the academic year to develop solutions for these challenges. Among this

Spring Game Expo draws crowds to see latest student-created video games

April 24, 2023

Networked student-created video games took center stage at the annual Spring Game Expo at Florida Polytechnic University on Saturday, April 22. Prospective students and their families arrived on campus to check out the games, learn about the computer science major and career paths, and explore campus in an accompanying open house event. “The Game Expo provides students with a first-hand

Florida Poly junior shines at national powerlifting championship

April 21, 2023

Madison Yonash, a junior at Florida Polytechnic University and captain of the women’s powerlifting team, competed at the 2023 USA Powerlifting Collegiate Nationals in Arlington, Texas, on April 14. She placed 20th in her 60-kilo weight class. “It was insane,” said Yonash, who is majoring in business analytics. “My weight class had over 70 lifters in it competing at nationals.

2023 Ablaze awards recognize exceptional Florida Poly employees

April 19, 2023

Standout Florida Polytechnic University employees were recognized for their outstanding efforts on Wednesday, April 19, at the University’s sixth annual Ablaze awards ceremony. “We’ve accomplished so much in the last year, and that is due in very large part to each one of you,” Dr. Randy K. Avent, Florida Poly’s president, said to the audience of employees at the City

Q&A: Master’s grad reflects on making his mark at Florida Poly

April 18, 2023

Jake Greenberg ’22, ’23 is thrilled to walk across the stage and receive his master’s degree in engineering management at Florida Polytechnic University just one year after earning his bachelor’s degree in data science with a concentration in big data analytics at the University. During his time as a student, Greenberg was chair and vice chair of Florida PolyCon, treasurer