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Florida Poly and South Korean university GIST team up to drive global STEM research

November 6, 2025

A new partnership between Florida Polytechnic University and South Korea’s Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) is set to boost academic and research collaboration at both institutions, widely recognized for advancing STEM education. The partnership facilitates student and faculty exchanges as well as research initiatives, with the goal of elevating the quality and impact of each university’s scholarship and

New podcast spotlights Florida Poly alumni lessons and achievements

November 4, 2025

Graduation marks a major milestone in a student’s life, but learning doesn’t stop there. A new podcast showcases how Florida Polytechnic University alumni continue to grow, adapt and lead in their fields. Now working in high-tech careers across industries, Florida Poly alumni are sharing their personal journeys, insights and lessons they’ve learned on the “The Legacy Podcast,” presented by the

Florida Poly president expands global reach on Florida trade mission to Asia

October 30, 2025

Florida Poly President Devin Stephenson joined the state’s Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly and Secretary of State Cord Byrd on a two-week international trade and business development leadership mission to Taiwan and Japan, advancing Florida’s global economic trade strategy. The mission included Florida business, tech, space and academic fields and took place from Oct. 19-29. It was organized by

Florida Poly ranks in nation’s Top 20 for best return on investment

October 28, 2025

Florida Polytechnic University has been ranked among the Top 20 universities in the nation for return on investment (ROI), outperforming some of the country’s most prestigious institutions, according to a new analysis by EDsmart, a publisher of data-driven college ratings. The ranking evaluated 1,755 four-year colleges nationwide and found that Florida Poly offers one of the highest value degrees for

Congressman Franklin hosts cybersecurity face-off at Florida Poly

October 22, 2025

About 200 middle and high school students from Florida’s 18th Congressional District vied for bragging rights as the region’s best cybersecurity team during Congressman Scott Franklin’s third annual Capture the Flag Competition, held at Florida Polytechnic University on Tuesday, Oct. 21.

President Stephenson named to Florida 500 list for second consecutive year

October 21, 2025

Dr. Devin Stephenson, president of Florida Polytechnic University, has once again been recognized among Florida’s 500 most influential business leaders by Florida Trend magazine. This marks the second consecutive year that Stephenson has earned a place on the prestigious Florida 500 list.

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Phoenix puts her skills to the test in engineering internship

July 28, 2021

Florida Polytechnic University senior Skylar Rupert is making the most of every educational and professional opportunity available to her this summer as a mechanical intern at TLC Engineering Solutions in Fort Myers, Florida. “At Florida Poly, we work in teams for projects,” said Rupert, from Port Charlotte, Florida. “Working at TLC has made me feel like part of a team

State University System letter to students

July 27, 2021

State University System Students: We are excited to welcome you to our campuses next month! To help us provide high-quality classes, student services, extracurricular activities, and athletic programs in a healthy environment, we strongly recommend that all students get vaccinated for the COVID-19 virus before arriving on campus. Since the onset of the pandemic, our successes are a result of

Lifelong pursuit of adventure, speed fuels President Avent’s dirt bike racing

July 26, 2021

Thick Florida wildland with steep, muddy slopes and rough, rocky terrain is the perfect setting for Dr. Randy K. Avent to strap on his helmet and indulge in his lifelong passion. The Florida Polytechnic University president often meets up with alumni, students, and friends to conquer the woods and tracks of Florida from the perch of his high-powered dirt bike,

NSF research experience readies Phoenix for graduate school success

July 20, 2021

A summer research internship experience is allowing Florida Polytechnic University senior Andre Archer to gain close-up, real-world insight into the field of computational mechanics, a specialized area that he would like to pursue as a career. “It is the overlap between mechanical engineering, computer science, materials science, and even chemistry,” Archer said. “It’s really interesting and exactly what I want

Students’ solar-powered drone idea takes flight

July 16, 2021

A team of Florida Polytechnic University students is working to transform the common hobby drone into a solar-powered craft that can remain continuously aloft throughout the daylight hours. “On a bright, sunny day, it should gather enough energy from its solar panels that it can be charging up the battery while it’s gliding through the air.” said Spencer Bishop, a

NSF research experience puts Phoenix on path to high-tech, entrepreneurial future

July 7, 2021

As part of the National Science Foundation’s Research Experience for Undergraduates, Florida Polytechnic University junior Jabari Acre is spending the summer working on improving stereolithography (SLA) though the use of the two-photon absorption phenomena at the Georgia Tech Manufacturing Institute in Atlanta, Georgia. The advanced technology allows users to produce complex, three-dimensional structures with nanoscale resolutions through the use of

Tropical Storm Elsa Updates

July 5, 2021

Updated July 5, 1:45 p.m. Florida Poly is closely watching the trajectory of Tropical Storm Elsa as it approaches the state of Florida. At this time, all University operations will continue as normal. However, we know things can change quickly and the safety of our University community is always our top priority. If there are any changes regarding the path

Phoenix harnesses social media data in machine learning internship

June 29, 2021

A summer internship at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is allowing Florida Polytechnic University senior Nicole Ely to use machine learning to gain a better understanding of data shared on Twitter. Ely, who is majoring in data science with a concentration in big data analytics, is working with the Tennessee university’s computational biology program to use the machine learning

Alumna flying high in Lockheed Martin engineering career

June 23, 2021

As a software engineer associate at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics and an on-air technology podcast host, Daniele Mendez ’19 is fulfilling her dreams and pursuing passions for engineering and journalism. Mendez received her bachelor’s degree in computer science from Florida Polytechnic University in 2019 and joined the aerospace, defense, and technology giant soon after. “I work for the F-35 ALIS program,

Florida Poly professor shaping the future of rhinoplasty

June 22, 2021

LAKELAND, Fla. – Dr. Oguzhan Topsakal, assistant professor of computer science at Florida Polytechnic University, is employing leading-edge digital technology to help plastic surgeons achieve better outcomes when performing rhinoplasty. The research has been published in several leading journals. So far this year, he and his team have published three papers in top journals such Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic

Phoenix Flight helps students turn business ideas into reality

June 14, 2021

An entrepreneurial internship program at Florida Polytechnic University has helped guide about 70 students toward greater business innovation during its first year. With a structured method of support, the Phoenix Flight program helps student teams develop their entrepreneurial ideas and advance them toward potential business success. “This program compliments our senior capstone program to create well-rounded innovators at Florida Poly. Where our

Alum finds success with major solar technology company

June 10, 2021

As an engineer for solar technology company CED Greentech, Zachary “Zeus” Unson ’20 helps consumers safely implement the use of solar energy in their homes. Unson, who received his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with a concentration in nanotechnology from Florida Polytechnic University in 2020, is now a solar engineer for the national company at its offices in Tampa, Florida.