Close

News

Latest News

Megan Demeritt, a senior majoring in industrial engineering at Florida Polytechnic University, at Amazon's Lakeland warehouse, where she is an area manager intern.

Student dives into logistics and leadership during Amazon internship

Every online Amazon order triggers a complex, behind-the-scenes system, speeding the product to its recipient as quickly and efficiently as possible. This summer, Florida Polytechnic University senior Megan Demeritt is getting an inside look at those operations while helping make them even better as an area manager intern with the e-commerce giant.

Phoenix Racing, Florida Poly’s solar racing team, stands with Spark MK 2.5, their new solar vehicle. They will compete in two national events this month, including the Electrek American Solar Challenge.

Florida Poly solar team gears up for historic 1,500-mile cross-country race

Florida Polytechnic University’s Phoenix Racing team is preparing for its first 1,500-mile cross-country solar race, the centerpiece of two national competitions in Minnesota this month. The team will compete in the Electrek Formula Sun Grand Prix and the Electrek American Solar Challenge, a grueling endurance race from the Twin Cities to Texas.

Florida Polytechnic University campus secured $11 million in performance-based funding.

Florida Poly earns record performance gain, $11M in state funding

Florida Polytechnic University had the largest one-year performance gain among all state universities in the Florida Board of Governors’ 2025-26 Performance-Based Funding Model, earning a score of 87 out of 100 and securing nearly $11 million in performance funding.

All Stories

Remote work for employees extended through the end of May

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 are staying safe and healthy as the COVID-19 crisis keeps turning almost every aspect of our lives upside down. I’ve enjoyed reading about the many ways you are rising to the challenge in

Second chance leads to flourishing opportunities for 2020 Florida Poly grad

For a long time, Joshua Santos ’20 listened to everyone else while trying to achieve the goals others had for him. As a consequence, after three years struggling to complete an engineering degree at a larger state university, his effort fell short. His passion for aerospace ran dry. “I was told for so long ‘this is what you should be

Florida Poly recognizes employees despite COVID-19

LAKELAND, Fla. – The COVID-19 pandemic may have forced the cancellation of in-person events, but that is not stopping leaders at Florida Polytechnic University from honoring its faculty and staff. This year, Florida Poly’s annual Ablaze ceremony became a memorable video that recognizes employees for their extraordinary contributions to the University. The award celebration has become one of the school’s

Data science researchers at Florida Poly work to improve online community use

Surfing social media and delving into digital post comments can lead web users to strange or unwanted places. Dr. Rei Sanchez-Arias, an assistant professor of data science and business analytics at Florida Polytechnic University, is working to make these digital networks more meaningful and orderly. “We live in a world of big data. There are many data sources, but a

Florida Poly computer science team works to transform surgical training

When surgeons learn to perform arthroscopic surgery on a patient’s shoulder area, navigating around the confined area and tight structures with instruments inserted through small incisions can be challenging. Adding unintuitive camera orientation and constrained motions further complicates the task. A group of faculty and student researchers at Florida Polytechnic University are working to make this training and assessment of

2020 graduate ready to make impact in computer science

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 Michael Perez transferred to Florida Polytechnic University in 2018,

Florida Poly hosting individual campus visits for prospective Phoenixes

Students considering Florida Polytechnic University for their educational home this fall are now able to schedule an in-person visit to see its iconic campus up close in a safe way. Beginning on May 4, the Admissions Department will host individual visits to the Lakeland, Florida campus. Tours were among the University activities that were suspended in March due to the

Phoenixes Rise Together

The health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff is our top priority. Visit this webpage for resources and additional information. Students, The Spring 2020 semester will always be remembered, but I hope it is remembered most for all that you have achieved. Graduating Seniors: Congratulations! I look forward to congratulating you in person at the Dec. 18 commencement

Spring 2020 Game Expo shows off student creations online

Florida Polytechnic University students who have worked all semester developing innovative video games are getting the chance to show them off online at the annual Spring Game Expo. Florida Poly traditionally hosts fall and spring game expos on campus, but ongoing social distancing restrictions and state-mandated closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic forced the spring expo’s cancellation. Dr. Doga Demirel,

Florida Poly engineering students add a new dimension to dance

A team of Florida Polytechnic University students is using technology to convert the beauty and grace of dance into an innovative, stunning work of art. Junior Jaimie Davis and 2020 master’s graduate Matthew Giallourakis are collaborating with Florida Dance Theatre to transform dancers’ movements into digital art. “We wanted to take the arts and STEM and combine them in this

Addressing campus resiliency

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

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

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.