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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

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

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

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

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

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.

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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

Online classes to continue through Summer B term

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.