Florida Polytechnic University has been designated as a Collegiate Purple Star Campus, a state-recognized honor affirming its commitment to supporting military-connected students, veterans and active-duty families.
For Naibys Alzugaray, landing an internship at Electronic Arts (EA) in Orlando, Florida, was the realization of a dream that started in high school. But by the end of the summer, that dream became a permanent reality. On the final day of her internship on Aug. 7, the Florida Polytechnic University rising senior received a full-time software engineer job offer to return to EA after graduation to join the company’s Software Engineer Academy crew.
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), 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.
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.
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.
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.
When Hailey Skoglund ’22 arrived at Florida Polytechnic University, she made the decision to embrace everything the University had to offer. She became chief justice of the Student Government Association, a Presidential Ambassador, a tutor, and is a student representative on the Florida Poly Foundation Board. Skoglund also is a full-time intern at the Walt Disney Company as she completes
Just weeks before his graduation with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Florida Polytechnic University student Bruce Hicks is excited to see his vision for a campus archery range come to fruition. Hicks, a nationally ranked archer training for the 2024 Summer Olympics, is founder and captain of the Florida Poly archery team, which trains to compete at the local,
Dr. Allen Bottorff has joined Florida Polytechnic University as the new vice president of administration and finance. “I’m feeling super excited; it’s an incredible opportunity,” Bottorff said. “I’ve been watching the University’s development and seen its growth. It’s rare to be able to step into a leadership role so early in an institution’s development.” Bottorff most recently worked at Polk
Developing error-resilient and highly energy efficient computing platforms for ultra-low power applications will be the focus of a new research at Florida Polytechnic University funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). Dr. Ashiq Sakib, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, secured the $175,000 grant that could change the landscape of self-powered electronic devices operating on very
Florida Polytechnic University graduates earn an average salary of $57,900 one year after graduation, the highest among all state universities, according to the State University System of Florida’s MyFloridaFuture educational research and comparison tool.
For Florida Polytechnic University junior Pressley Hendrix, volunteering and helping has always been second nature. “I grew up volunteering and it always has been part of my life,” said Hendrix, a business analytics major and former Eagle Scout. “Now I try to bring that out in others.” Hendrix again stepped into this familiar role recently when he volunteered to be
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.
