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

November 18, 2025

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

November 17, 2025

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

Florida Poly faculty joins national committee on recycling innovation

November 14, 2025

Florida Polytechnic University’s Dr. Malak Anshassi has earned national recognition for her research advancing recycling, solid waste management and sustainability. She was recently appointed to serve as a recycling expert on a prestigious committee of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to address the pressing problem of waste reduction. Anshassi, an assistant professor of environmental engineering, was selected

From boot camp to Blue Origin: Engineering student builds future at Florida Poly

November 10, 2025

Celebrating Veterans Day Every Veterans Day, Florida Polytechnic University student Jonny Anderson can’t help but reflect on the journey that led him from serving in both the Marine Corps and Air Force Reserve to helping build rockets for space technology company Blue Origin. With determination squarely focused on earning a mechanical engineering degree, Anderson is living a dream many students

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

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Addressing campus resiliency

April 28, 2020

The health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff is our top priority. Visit this webpage for resources and additional information. All, When COVID-19 began forcing our country to work from home and many of our favorite businesses temporarily closed their doors, it was only a matter of time before the related financial effects began touching everyone. Sadly, higher

2020 grad working to revolutionize high-tech crop harvesting

April 27, 2020

Editor’s note: While the COVID-19 situation has caused Florida Polytechnic University to shift to remote instruction for the remainder of the semester and reschedule our commencement ceremony, the hard work of our graduating seniors continues. This story is part of a series of stories highlighting and honoring our 2020 graduates. Florida Polytechnic University senior Kendon Ricketts lives out a childhood

Online classes to continue through Summer B term

April 27, 2020

he health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff is our top priority. Visit this webpage for resources and additional information. Dear Florida Poly Community, Summer B In the interest of minimizing disruption and erring on the side of caution, Florida Poly will continue with remote offerings for Summer Session B. As you are wrapping up the spring term

Remote work for employees extended through May 15

April 24, 2020

The health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff is our top priority. Visit this webpage for resources and additional information. All, I hope you’re all staying well and have found a new normal in this challenging time we’re all in. This last month has somehow flown by as we adjusted to our quick shift to remote education and

New class of Presidential Ambassadors ready to represent

April 23, 2020

For Florida Polytechnic University freshman Benjamin Dinal, leadership is rooted in a true desire to serve others. It’s a desire he knows well. “I have always been a leader in my community,” said Dinal, a computer science major. “Whether it was becoming freshman representative for the Student Government Association or volunteering for those less fortunate, I am always involved within

Message to students on the last day of Spring 2020 classes

April 22, 2020

The health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff is our top priority. Visit this webpage for resources and additional information. Students, Happy last day of Spring 2020 classes! As we end this semester, I ask you to please take a minute and reflect on all you have achieved this academic year. It has been a challenging year, full

Seniors present industry solutions in virtual Capstone Design Showcase

April 22, 2020

While many events in the community have been canceled in the wake of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, one of Florida Polytechnic University’s richest student traditions will continue in a virtual environment. The annual Capstone Design Showcase, which features the hard work of seniors challenged to solve industry problems, has shifted from a one-day event to a three-day virtual presentation. “I

2020 graduate builds next generation of esports champs

April 20, 2020

Editor’s note: While the COVID-19 situation has caused Florida Polytechnic University to shift to remote instruction for the remainder of the semester and reschedule our commencement ceremony, the hard work of our graduating seniors continues. This story is part of a series of stories highlighting and honoring our 2020 graduates. When Matthew Santalla was a high school student in Orlando,

Florida Poly CARES emergency funds

April 20, 2020

The health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff is our top priority. Visit our webpage for resources and additional information. Updated April 23: The information below regarding eligibility of international students to receive CARES Act funding has been updated to reflect a change in the requirements from the US Department of Education. Dear students, We all

Students help prominent gaming artist bring Phoenix to life

April 17, 2020

The Florida Poly Phoenix will soon have a new, more dynamic look, and students had the opportunity to play a key role in defining its final design during a virtual town hall on Thursday, April 16. Well-known gaming illustrator Travis Howell led the event and met with about 50 Florida Poly students, faculty, staff, and parents who logged on eager

Home exercise keeps Phoenixes fit during remote study

April 16, 2020

Students and employees may be spending their days at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but that doesn’t mean they can’t maintain a good workout routine and keep their bodies in shape. Derek Lower, student life coordinator at Florida Polytechnic University, said there are many options for people to stay active and physically healthy at home – even in small

Florida Poly announces new date for Spring 2020 Commencement

April 15, 2020

Florida Polytechnic University announced that its Spring 2020 graduates will get their chance to walk to Pomp and Circumstance at a special commencement ceremony scheduled for Friday, Dec. 18, 2020. The event will be held at the RP Funding Center, located at 701 W. Lime St. in Lakeland. The COVID-19 pandemic shifted all universities to remote instruction for the rest