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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.

Florida Polytechnic University senior Avery Reef at his internship location, Watts Water Technologies.

Student internship brings product development ideas to life

August 6, 2026

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 at Florida Polytechnic University crosses the finish line and take third place among U.S. teams in the American Solar Challenge cross-country solar vehicle race.

Phoenix Racing finishes 3rd among U.S. teams in cross-country solar race debut

August 4, 2026

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.

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Florida Poly partners with Microsoft for virtual workshop series

May 14, 2020

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

Remote work for employees extended through the end of May

May 13, 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 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

May 12, 2020

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

May 7, 2020

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

May 6, 2020

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

May 5, 2020

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

May 4, 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 Michael Perez transferred to Florida Polytechnic University in 2018,

Florida Poly hosting individual campus visits for prospective Phoenixes

May 1, 2020

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

May 1, 2020

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

April 30, 2020

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

April 29, 2020

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

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