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), 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.
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.
Avery Reef, a mechanical engineering student at Florida Polytechnic University, is getting a front-row seat to how products progress from a simple idea to the factory floor. The hands-on experience is helping shape his future engineering career. Reef is an intern with Watts Water Technologies, a global leader in water system solutions.
Phoenix Racing crossed the finish line to place third among U.S. teams and sixth overall in its debut at the biennial Electrek American Solar Challenge on Saturday, Aug. 1.
Polk State College and Florida Polytechnic University have entered into an articulation agreement, establishing the Eagle to Phoenix Pathway program for students. Polk State President Anastasios Kamoutsas and Florida Poly President Devin Stephenson signed the agreement on Thursday, July 30, strengthening the partnership between the institutions and expanding opportunities for students.
Florida Polytechnic University partnered with State Rep. Colleen Burton to donate 10,000 face masks to multiple local nonprofit organizations to help them continue their essential work during the COVID-19 pandemic. The masks were donated to VISTE (Volunteers in Service to the Elderly), LVIM (Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine), Talbot House Ministries, and AFI (Alliance for Independence). Representatives of the organizations met
Florida Polytechnic University has launched a totally new website experience dedicated to offering all users an easy and effective way to get the information they need and want. “In addition to a brand-new design that showcases the spirit and culture of the Florida Poly community, the new website greatly improves the user experience,” said Laura Neff-Henderson, Florida Poly’s director of
Mentorship made all the difference to Microsoft senior consultant Adam McCullough when he underwent an abrupt career shift about 10 years ago. After his job at Kennedy Space Center ended and he found himself repairing computers for Lockheed Martin, McCullough befriended colleague Garrison Thompson and the two built a lasting mentor relationship. “Garrison changed my life,” McCullough said to a
While her Florida Polytechnic University peers were studying for finals and adjusting to remote education this spring, mechanical engineering major Spc. Brooke Smith’s unit with the Florida Army National Guard was activated to help with COVID-19 testing in Jacksonville, Florida. “It was good to see how everyone came together,” Smith said, from Lakeland, Florida. “We got to our mission and
LAKELAND, Fla. – A new scholarship named for Florida Polytechnic University Trustee Frank T. Martin is designed to provide more opportunity to African American students and help them achieve their STEM career ambitions. The Frank T. Martin Single Year Scholarship was established through the American Public Transportation Foundation (APTF) to support African American students pursuing a degree in engineering, transportation,
When the emergence of COVID-19 led to overnight changes in the restaurant industry, Florida Polytechnic University alum Matthew Giallourakis and his family sprang into action. Giallourakis ’18, M. Eng. ’20 is head of logistics and process automation for mobile software company Loyal Cast. The Palm Harbor, Florida, business was co-founded by Giallourakis’ father, Anthony Giallourakis, and brother, Michael Giallourakis, to
Florida Polytechnic University is carefully and deliberately exploring the most effective strategies to move the University forward as our nation continues to grapple with a new normal in the face of COVID-19. Florida Poly has been steadily working on a plan to resume on-campus operations this fall. It will be presented during a June 23 meeting of the Florida Board
The Florida Polytechnic University Student Government Association boasts a large number of first-time members and leaders as it heads into the fall 2020 semester. The new leadership is spending the summer months planning and working to improve student representation, support, and engagement. However, the circumstances they’re working under couldn’t be more different than typical years due to COVID-19. “The biggest
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 doing well and are continuing to stay healthy during this time. As you know, several dedicated teams have begun conversations and the necessary work to determine the best way for Florida Poly to operate
The work Bryan Urias ’20 does as an information security analyst for tech start-up JustProtect is the culmination of years of dedication and hard work. And he couldn’t be happier. “This has been amazing,” Urias said. “It’s been really cool seeing all the things I learned in school apply to the real world.” JustProtect, based in Tampa, Florida, helps businesses
Editor’s note: While COVID-19 has caused Florida Polytechnic University to shift to remote instruction through the summer and reschedule our commencement ceremony, the hard work of our graduating seniors continues. This feature is part of a series of stories highlighting and honoring our 2020 graduates. One of the first times Daniel Rentfro laid his hands on a computer was when
Florida Polytechnic University is partnering with tech giant Microsoft to offer weekly online professional development workshops for the University community this summer. The weekly series, Microsoft Mondays at Florida Poly, kicks off at 11:30 a.m. on May 18 with “Rock Your LinkedIn with Microsoft.” The workshops are free and open to everyone. They will be delivered through Microsoft Teams, which
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.
