
Florida Poly swimmer makes second straight nationals appearance
Reid Johnson, a senior and mechanical engineering major at Florida Polytechnic University, recently competed at the College Club Swimming Nationals for the second year in a row.

Reid Johnson, a senior and mechanical engineering major at Florida Polytechnic University, recently competed at the College Club Swimming Nationals for the second year in a row.

Dr. Devin Stephenson, president of Florida Polytechnic University, has been named one of Florida’s 50 most influential leaders over the age of 50 by the News Service of Florida.

Becoming a Presidential Ambassador set Jorgeandrés Alvarez-Lopez ’26 on a path leading to a professional internship, his “dream job,” and an opportunity to address his fellow graduates as the Class of 2026 student speaker at Florida Polytechnic University’s commencement ceremony on May 9.

Florida Polytechnic University will welcome renowned astronaut Dr. Koichi Wakata as its 2026 commencement speaker. Wakata made history as the first Japanese commander of the International Space Station (ISS) and the first from his country to spend more than 500 days in space.

At 17, Adrian Hernandez Vega is already making his mark in the world of mathematics. The dual-enrolled Florida Polytechnic University student recently earned top honors at the 71st Florida State Science and Engineering Fair, an accomplishment he said reflects hard work and support from his mentors at Florida Poly. Hernandez Vega won the Best in Fair Grand Award for mathematics

As Florida Polytechnic University prepares to debut its inaugural collegiate athletics program this fall, featuring eight sports, new coaches, and a roster of high-achieving STEM-focused student athletes, Derek Lower has been selected as the University’s first athletic director.
Ritchel Calvaire ’22 receives his bachelor’s degree in computer engineering on Sunday, May 8. The achievement is one that marks four years of exploration, development, and self-realization at Florida Polytechnic University. Calvaire explored many campus opportunities to learn and grow, including leadership positions as a Presidential Ambassador, resident assistant, and orientation leader. He also was a member of Rotaract, the

While members of the Force Institute may regularly train with their lightsabers on campus, their focus isn’t solely on the wildly successful Star Wars galaxy of media. The popular student organization at Florida Polytechnic University uses the science fiction juggernaut and the Jedi Knights at its center as the framework for a tight-knit group that advances student interaction, academic achievement,

Three Florida Polytechnic University graduate students pursing master’s degrees in engineering recently took home top honors for their research at the Florida Academy of Sciences 85th Annual Meeting. All three students are on the mechanical engineering degree track. Charisma Clarke received first place for graduate engineering poster presentation, Kyle Steel received first place for graduate engineering oral presentation, and Colton

Teams of Florida Polytechnic University seniors showed off their hard work on industry-sponsored, tech-focused projects at the annual Capstone Design Showcase on Wednesday, April 27. The capstone program pairs interdisciplinary teams of students with corporate partners who have a real-world challenge they would like addressed. The students work on building high-tech solutions to these challenges throughout the academic year. This

Bruce Hicks ’22 will receive his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Florida Polytechnic University on May 8. The student from Eustis, Florida, is an accomplished archer with his sights set on competing in the 2028 Olympics. He is captain and founder of the Florida Poly Archery Team, which opened an on-campus range in 2022. Hicks also is set to

Video game players went head-to-head in fun competitions at Florida Polytechnic University on Saturday, April 23, at the annual Spring Game Expo. The event featured dozens of student-created video games at the University’s Innovation, Science, and Technology building in Lakeland, Florida. “I’m very proud of what we accomplished,” said Alyssa Schroeder, a senior computer science major with a concentration in

Florida Polytechnic University announced a $2 million gift from Trustee Gary C. Wendt to support the creation of new leadership initiatives for students.

Vanessa Townsend ’22 has never shied away from an opportunity to learn, grow, or lead. She will receive her bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with a concentration in aerospace from Florida Polytechnic University on May 8. During her time at Florida Poly, Townsend was president of the Campus Activities Board, conference chair for the National Society of Black Engineers, president

Outstanding faculty and staff members at Florida Polytechnic University were recognized on Wednesday, April 13, during the University’s fifth annual Ablaze awards ceremony. The event shines a spotlight on the dedication, work, and successes of faculty and staff members and their many contributions to Florida Poly. It was the first time the event was held in person since 2019. The

When Javier Lozada ’22 receives his bachelor’s degree in computer engineering with a concentration in embedded systems design from Florida Polytechnic University on May 8, the talented student will be ready to step into a job as a software engineer at L3 Harris Technologies. While at Florida Poly, the native of Pembroke Pines, Florida, maximized the opportunities available to him,

Students who head to the Student Development Center (SDC) for a workout are likely to encounter Natasha Gattas’ smiling face welcoming them. The Florida Polytechnic University freshman is among the 27 student employees who help keep the fitness center running and its patrons happy. “I work at the front desk at the SDC, greeting people and introducing them to the

Dr. Doga Demirel, assistant chair of Florida Polytechnic University’s Computer Science Department, is creating a leading-edge virtual reality tool to help doctors learn critical medical procedures commonly performed in emergency rooms, during surgery, and in other medical scenarios. VORTeX – the Virtual Operating Room Team Experience – is a virtual reality surgical simulator to assist in physician education and training.










