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Colombian National Team coach brings World Cup experience to Florida Poly soccer players

September 19, 2025

Legendary Colombian soccer coach Nelson Abadía brought his expertise and inspiration to Florida Polytechnic University on Thursday, Sept. 18, as he observed the men’s and women’s soccer teams in training and shared advice to strengthen their game. “It was unforgettable. Coach Abadía brought so much knowledge, and his presence alone elevated the atmosphere,” said Sebastian Anzola, captain of Florida Poly’s

Florida Poly professor’s powerful new tool brings higher accuracy to nuclear physics

September 15, 2025

Dr. Ian Bentley, chair of the Department of Physics at Florida Polytechnic University, developed a new machine learning model to improve predictions of nuclear binding energies.

Students face off in epic Humans vs. Zombies Nerf battle

September 12, 2025

A “zombie infection” overtook Florida Polytechnic University during the week of Sept. 8, slowly spreading from three infected students to nearly all the players in a campuswide Humans vs. Zombies Nerf dart battle.

Expert panel explores phosphate mining and its impacts

September 10, 2025

A panel discussion at Florida Polytechnic University on Monday, Sept. 8, examined the history, benefits and future of phosphate mining.

From NASA to startup: Alumna launches AI platform to bridge tech and policy

September 5, 2025

Payton Barnwell ’19 has dedicated her successful high-tech career to creating meaningful impact through innovation. She helped optimize space station crops as a NASA intern, worked in mission control at Virgin Galactic, and led geospatial product development at SkyFi, creating easy-to-use tools from complex data and imagery. Now, the Florida Polytechnic University alumna has embarked on a new adventure. Barnwell

NSF-funded study uses brain data to rethink engineering education

September 3, 2025

Fueled by a new National Science Foundation (NSF) grant, innovative research at Florida Polytechnic University aims to redefine the way professors approach engineering design education. Dr. Elisabeth Kames, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, received a $200,000 grant to study how students cognitively engage with engineering design challenges. The research will employ neurocognitive tools such as electroencephalography (EEG), as well as

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Florida Poly hosts panel on careers in defense and the military

March 18, 2025

Florida Polytechnic University’s Office of Public Policy Events hosted a thought-provoking panel discussion on Monday, March 17, examining the intersection of personal values, professional expertise, and the profound impact of service in defense-related careers. The event was titled Morals, Skills and Service: A Discussion on Working in Defense and the Military, and delved into how personal ethics and professional skills

Phoenixes celebrate grand opening of Florida Poly Campus Store

March 17, 2025

Florida Polytechnic University celebrated the grand opening of a brand-new campus store, a vibrant spot for students, faculty, and visitors to discover the latest branded gear, essential classroom supplies, and unique items to showcase their Phoenix pride. “Today is more than just a ribbon-cutting ceremony – this is a celebration of our growth, our pride, and the vibrant community we’re

Chancellor Ray Rodrigues to inspire Florida Poly graduates as 2025 commencement speaker

March 14, 2025

LAKELAND, Fla. – Ray Rodrigues, chancellor of the State University System (SUS) of Florida, has been announced as Florida Polytechnic University’s 2025 commencement speaker. The event is set for May 4. “It is an honor to be selected to address graduates at Florida’s only public university exclusively focused on STEM,” Rodrigues said. “Florida Polytechnic University leads the State University System

Florida Poly research tackles smelly water issue in Winter Haven

March 12, 2025

LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University’s Dr. Jun Kim is stepping in to sniff out solutions to an unusual water problem in Winter Haven, Florida, through research that could have a global impact. The assistant professor of environmental engineering is leading a two-year research project focused on using advanced treatment processes to eliminate an unpleasant odor affecting the city’s water

Kelli Stargel named VP at Florida Polytechnic University

March 3, 2025

Florida Polytechnic University has named former State Sen. Kelli Stargel as its new vice president for strategic initiatives, development, and external relations. Stargel previously was the University’s associate vice president for strategic relationships. She joined Florida Poly in February 2023 after serving in the Florida Senate for 10 years. She also served two terms in the Florida House of Representatives.

Florida Poly recognized as top producer of U.S. Fulbright STEM scholars

February 25, 2025

Florida Polytechnic University has earned the prestigious designation as a Fulbright Top Producing Institution, an honor awarded by the U.S. Department of State for its commitment to global academic excellence. Only 130 of the nation’s four-year institutions – just 5% – earned a spot in the ranking. The recognition celebrates colleges and universities nationwide with the highest number of candidates

Families explore Florida Poly’s campus and vision at Phoenix Family Day

February 24, 2025

The Florida Polytechnic University campus rolled out the red carpet for students’ families and loved ones during the annual Phoenix Family Day on Sunday, Feb. 22. Hundreds of people attended [EJ1] the event, exploring campus, engaging in hands-on activities, and immersing themselves in Florida Poly’s unique culture. The day also celebrated Solaris, the University’s larger-than-life mascot, with a birthday bash

Florida Poly global top scientist joins prestigious Fulbright Specialist Roster

February 17, 2025

Dr. Ajeet Kaushik, a leading researcher in nanotechnology and biosensors and recognized among the top 2% of scientists worldwide, has earned a highly prestigious academic opportunity. Kaushik, assistant professor of chemistry at Florida Polytechnic University, has been named to the Fulbright Specialist Roster by the U.S. State Department. This distinction positions him to collaborate on specialized projects at institutions across

Dr. Randy Avent honored as Florida Poly president emeritus

February 13, 2025

The Florida Polytechnic University Board of Trustees has honored Dr. Randy K. Avent with the title of president emeritus, recognizing his exceptional leadership and lasting contributions to the University. The designation, reserved for former presidents who have served with distinction, was conferred during the Board’s meeting on Feb. 12. Avent was Florida Poly’s first president, leading the 100% STEM institution

High-tech employers draw record crowds of students to spring career fair

February 12, 2025

With nearly half of Florida Polytechnic University’s student population in attendance, employers filled the University’s Barnett Applied Research Center on Tuesday, Feb. 11, to recruit, interview and hire interns and full-time employees at the 2025 Spring Career and Internship Fair. About 750 students – or 45% of Florida Poly’s student population – donned their best business wear and worked to

Florida Poly hosts panel discussion on academic expression

February 11, 2025

The Office of Public Policy Events at Florida Polytechnic Hosted its first panel discussion of 2025 on Tuesday, Feb. 11. The event was the third in its Guardians of Democracy series taking place throughout the academic year. “We hold these events twice a semester so our University community and the public can come together and talk about how we can

Florida Poly tops the state for value, earns national top 10 spot in new rankings

February 7, 2025

Florida Polytechnic University is the No. 1 best value college in the state and No. 2 best value college in the South, according to new rankings released by Research.com, an online higher education resource. The 2024-2025 Best Colleges in America rankings also list Florida Poly as a top 10 best value college in the United States. Research.com determined best value