Close

News

Latest News

Roadway cleanup reflects honor society’s spirit of service

Equipped with bright orange vests, litter pickers and a positive attitude, a group of Florida Polytechnic University students aims to give back to the community by keeping a two-mile stretch of highway near campus free from trash. The portion of State Road 33 near Interstate-4 is maintained by the Mu Omega chapter of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

Florida Poly fuels $952 million in annual economic impact

Florida Polytechnic University is fueling Florida’s economy with more than $952 million in annual economic activity, according to a new study by distinguished economist Dr. Rick Harper. The analysis shows the University contributes over $523 million each year to the state’s gross domestic product (GDP), including more than $117 million directly within Polk County. The University’s economic activity stems from

Florida Poly opens new hub for innovation: the Gary C. Wendt Engineering Center

Florida Polytechnic University celebrated a major milestone with the debut of its 40,000-square-foot Gary C. Wendt Engineering Center (GCW) on Tuesday, Nov. 18. The $15 million facility adds state-of-the-art laboratory space and equipment designed to elevate student learning, fuel innovation and solidify the University’s role as an economic driver for the state of Florida. The GCW features advanced research and

Florida Poly alum at the heart of bioprinting innovation

Dr. Steven Chisolm ’19 believes the future of medicine is being built layer by layer, literally. What may sound like science fiction, such as 3D printing functional hearts or kidneys for transplant, is quickly becoming possible, and he is among the innovators helping turn that vision into reality. A proud Florida Polytechnic University mechanical engineering graduate, Chisolm is now a

All Stories

Q&A: Jacinto Diego achieves longtime dream and readies for bright future

When Jacinto Diego ’21 joined Florida Polytechnic University four years ago, he became the first in his family to go to college. This summer, he will earn his business analytics degree with a concentration in logistics and supply chain management, fulfilling a longtime dream. Diego had an active campus life as a member of the Astro Club and LASA. This

Alum grows into tech-forward career with Publix Super Markets

When Greg Willard ’20 took a high school job packing and bagging grocery items at Publix Super Markets, he never imagined his time with the company would evolve from the supermarket floor to its website’s technological infrastructure. “I started as a bagger and worked my way up to customer service clerk – it’s a good company to work for,” said

Students get taste of tech start-up life at Embarc Collective

Embarc Collective, a Tampa Bay education nonprofit that helps startup businesses build scalable, successful companies, opened its doors to Florida Polytechnic University students recently and offered them a peek at the possibilities for those considering an entrepreneurial future. “It’s not every day you get to talk to the CEO of an emerging company,” said Florida Poly senior Jason Chua, a

Florida Poly entrepreneurial team wins funding at Catapult LAUNCH Pitch Night

LAKELAND, Fla. – An entrepreneurial team of Florida Polytechnic University students earned funding for their development of an innovative gesture-control device for electric longboards at the 2021 Catapult LAUNCH Pitch Night in Lakeland. Seniors Aaron Apigo, Kevin Racktoo, and David Terry walked away from the March 18 event with a $2,500 microgrant to evolve their prototype and advance their business, dex. Interfaces.

Capstone team creates next-generation risk assessment tool

In business, it’s important to know whether potential partners have hidden risks that could one day affect either company’s operations. A team of Florida Polytechnic University senior capstone design students are developing a tool to assess this risk and help companies make more informed decisions. “It’s a way to quickly scan the web and give a report of whether or

Engineering alum excels in leadership role with global tech company

In the three years since Christopher Krenek ’18 graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Florida Polytechnic University, he has become an accomplished process engineer and manages a team of 20 at Carlisle Interconnect Technologies in Saint Augustine, Florida. “I really enjoy creating relationships and developing other people, as well as seeing engineering projects come to fruition,” Krenek

Financial aid opens doors of opportunity to hundreds of Florida Poly students

While a student at Tampa Bay Technical High School, Maricelly Nascimento knew she’d need extra financial help to make her academic dreams become a reality. “My dad doesn’t make much money – less than $15,000 a year, so he cannot pay for anything,” said Nascimento, a junior majoring in computer science at Florida Polytechnic University. “I knew if I was

Ready to grow: Florida Poly recruiting dozens of faculty

LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University, the only state university dedicated entirely to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), is poised for unprecedented growth as it seeks to add 25 new faculty members for the fall 2021 semester. The recruitment effort comes as many universities across the country are shedding faculty positions in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. One

Phoenix Lacrosse shines in inaugural season opener

The Phoenix Lacrosse Team took the field for the first time on Friday, Feb. 19, in a Purple and White exhibition game. The spirited event drew a crowd of more than 100 Florida Polytechnic University students and other supporters eager to cheer on the student athletes in their debut game despite the cold, rainy weather. “I think it went fantastic,”

Students share high-tech project experience with future collegians

Middle and high school students at dozens of schools across the state learned about the culture of hands-on, high-tech learning at Florida Poly University on Thursday, Feb. 11. The live virtual event was a joint effort between the University and stemCONNECT, a program of the Florida High-Tech Corridor, aimed at inspiring young students to consider STEM careers. “I hope that

New partnership with FSC to provide 4+1 MBA opportunities to Florida Poly grads

LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University and Florida Southern College announced today an exclusive public-private partnership that will allow Florida Poly students to earn a STEM bachelor’s degree and a Master of Business Administration from Florida Southern in five years or less. The new partnership is the first of its kind in the region, offering a direct and affordable path

Students design next generation of high-tech, sentimental jewelry

For centuries, lockets have allowed people to keep precious memories close to their hearts. A team of Florida Polytechnic University capstone students is modernizing the traditional sentimental accessory, infusing it with advanced technology and limitless possibilities. “Our goal is to create an accessory that’s basically like a smart locket that displays photos and audio recordings,” said Steven Lim, a senior