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A group of students in front of the IST on the first day of the 2026-27 academic year, which saw record enrollment.

Record enrollment propels Florida Poly into new era of growth

August 17, 2026

Florida Polytechnic University soared into the 2026-27 academic year on Monday, Aug. 17, welcoming a record enrollment of 2,342 students. The milestone represents a remarkable 35% increase in total student enrollment over the last two years, up from over 1,900 students in 2025 and more than 1,700 in 2024, further solidifying Florida Poly’s reputation as a premier destination for high-demand STEM education.

Naibys Alzugaray, a rising senior majoring in computer science at Florida Polytechnic University, during her internship at EA in Orlando.

Florida Poly senior turns EA Madden 27 internship into software engineering career

August 14, 2026

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.

Florida Polytechnic University Men’s Soccer player Fernando Martinez during the University’s first media day.

Florida Poly’s student-athletes take center stage at inaugural media day

August 11, 2026

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) and representatives from Florida Polytechnic University gather during CPHE’s inaugural site visit at the institution on Aug. 5-6.

Commission for Public Higher Education completes first accreditation site visit at Florida Polytechnic University

August 10, 2026

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.

Florida Polytechnic University employees watch the live broadcast of a NASA diver performing an underwater test of the University’s student-designed tool dock as part of NASA’s Micro-g NExT Challenge.

NASA tests Florida Poly student-designed tool to improve spacewalks

August 7, 2026

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.

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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

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.

Florida Poly again spurns national trends with new application surge

June 8, 2021

LAKELAND, Fla. – Defying national trends in higher education, Florida Polytechnic University is enjoying a significant increase in the number of students applying to and committing to attend the University. Applications at Florida Poly are up 17% over fall 2020 and new student deposits for fall 2021 have increased by a hefty 48%. In addition to a spike in interest

Florida Poly set to enhance the student dining experience

June 2, 2021

Those dining at Florida Polytechnic University this fall will find tasty new offerings, expanded service hours, and a new face for the culinary team charged with making this part of the on-campus experience a deliciously satisfying one. The changes follow intensive conversations with student groups about what they would like to see added, changed, and maintained at the University’s dining

Prepare now for the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season

June 1, 2021

Forecasters predict a very busy 2021 Atlantic hurricane season, which began June 1 and ends on Nov. 30. Florida Polytechnic University urges its students and employees to take early actions to prepare for possible storm impacts. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts a high probability of 13 to 20 named storms this season. Of those, six to 10 are

Florida Poly graduate project aims to transform traffic in Brazilian city

May 27, 2021

LAKELAND, Fla. – A new partnership between Florida Polytechnic University and the prestigious Centro Universitário Facens in Brazil is off to a strong start with the completion of a project that promises to improve traffic congestion in the bustling Brazilian city of Sorocaba. Diego de Paula ’21, who recently his completed his master’s degree in computer science on Florida Poly’s data science track, worked

New state-of-the-art 3D printers await returning students at Florida Poly

May 25, 2021

Florida Polytechnic University’s fleet of 3D printers is getting a high-tech boost. The MakerBot Replicators that have long brought student ideas to life are being phased out and replaced with advanced Prusa MK3S+ and Prusa MINI+ printers. More than 15 Prusa printers will be available for student use by the start of the fall semester. The new printers produce higher

Florida Poly president appointed to prestigious European academy of doctors

May 19, 2021

LAKELAND, Fla. – Dr. Randy K. Avent, president of Florida Polytechnic University, has been selected as a correspondent academician to the Royal European Academy of Doctors. He will travel to Barcelona, Spain, this fall for an inauguration ceremony, during which he will deliver an inaugural address. “I am honored to be selected to join this revered group of the world’s

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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.