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Loved ones share in the college experience at Phoenix Family Day

September 22, 2025

Florida Polytechnic University buzzed with energy on Saturday, Sept. 20, as more than 850 parents, siblings and friends joined students on campus for the annual Phoenix Family Day. Visitors explored the University, played games, tackled hands-on STEM challenges and experienced firsthand the vibrant spirit of the Florida Poly community alongside their favorite Phoenix student. Gladys Diaz, from Miramar, Florida, joined

Colombian National Team coach brings World Cup experience to Florida Poly soccer players

September 19, 2025

Legendary Colombian soccer coach Nelson Abadía brought his expertise and inspiration to Florida Polytechnic University on Thursday, Sept. 18, as he observed the men’s and women’s soccer teams in training and shared advice to strengthen their game. “It was unforgettable. Coach Abadía brought so much knowledge, and his presence alone elevated the atmosphere,” said Sebastian Anzola, captain of Florida Poly’s

Florida Poly professor’s powerful new tool brings higher accuracy to nuclear physics

September 15, 2025

Dr. Ian Bentley, chair of the Department of Physics at Florida Polytechnic University, developed a new machine learning model to improve predictions of nuclear binding energies.

Students face off in epic Humans vs. Zombies Nerf battle

September 12, 2025

A “zombie infection” overtook Florida Polytechnic University during the week of Sept. 8, slowly spreading from three infected students to nearly all the players in a campuswide Humans vs. Zombies Nerf dart battle.

Expert panel explores phosphate mining and its impacts

September 10, 2025

A panel discussion at Florida Polytechnic University on Monday, Sept. 8, examined the history, benefits and future of phosphate mining.

From NASA to startup: Alumna launches AI platform to bridge tech and policy

September 5, 2025

Payton Barnwell ’19 has dedicated her successful high-tech career to creating meaningful impact through innovation. She helped optimize space station crops as a NASA intern, worked in mission control at Virgin Galactic, and led geospatial product development at SkyFi, creating easy-to-use tools from complex data and imagery. Now, the Florida Polytechnic University alumna has embarked on a new adventure. Barnwell

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NATO grant fueling Florida Polytechnic University research aimed at better radiation detection at nuclear sites

January 17, 2019

LAKELAND, Fla. – A group of Florida Polytechnic University students and a faculty member are working on research funded by a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) grant aimed at streamlining the manufacturing and efficiency of handheld radiation detectors, which could be used at nuclear sites as well as for border patrol. “Radiation detection plays an invaluable role in confirming that

Leading scientific company holds workshop for students and faculty

January 14, 2019

Florida Polytechnic University students and faculty recently participated in a high-level workshop that explored principles and real-world applications of spectroscopy. Ocean Optics, Inc., a leading manufacturer of fiber optics-based modular spectrometers based in Largo, Florida, showcased its products by engaging in live demonstrations with the academic contingent. “The goal of the visit was to share our applied spectral knowledge with

Recent Florida Polytechnic University graduate set up for success

January 11, 2019

More than 70 students became Florida Polytechnic University graduates in December 2018 as the University’s alumni roll continues to grow. One of those newly minted alumni is Joshua Rentrope, who received a degree in computer science and is already on the path to fulfilling his entrepreneurial dreams. “I got a lot of experience in just four years,” said Rentrope. “From

2018 Florida Polytechnic University look back

December 24, 2018

New Student Development Center opens Florida Poly Student Development Center The much-anticipated Student Development Centered opened in February providing the university community with a new state-of-the-art facility. The 8,600 square feet building is shaped like a phoenix (the university’s mascot) and has a strength and cardio training area with exercise machines, free weights and lifting plates. It also includes office

Florida Polytechnic University welcomes National Science Foundation to detail small business grant opportunities

December 20, 2018

Each year, the National Science Foundation (NSF) awards $200 million in funding to entrepreneurs through its congressionally-mandated Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. Recently, one of the 11 program directors responsible for deciding who gets funded, took part in the Florida Polytechnic University Entrepreneurial Speakers Series to detail SBIR and STTR opportunities for students

Orlando businesses get glimpse of Florida Polytechnic Universitys road to success

December 20, 2018

More than 50 business leaders and entrepreneurs from across the Orlando region had front row seats to Florida Polytechnic University president Randy K. Avent, as he described the school’s path since its inception and how it’s already making its mark as Florida’s newest public university. “It’s easier to make an impact when you’re big. But to make an impact when

Florida Polytechnic University police bring cheer to pediatric patients at Lakeland hospital

December 14, 2018

Dolls, puzzles, coloring books, race cars, balls, and games were some of the hundreds of toys that inundated the Florida Polytechnic University Police Department headquarters. The items were part of the largest annual toy drive the agency has organized for children who are spending the holiday season in a hospital room at the Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center. “We have

Winter break campus services and closures

December 13, 2018

We wish you a very pleasant winter break and holiday season. Below outlines closures and activities available throughout the winter holiday break. We look forward to seeing you back on campus on Monday, January 7, 2019. Housing Residence Halls Saturday, Dec. 15: Residence Halls close at noon Saturday, Jan. 5: Residence Halls open for returning students at 8 a.m. Note:

Florida Polytechnic University students aim to reduce drowsy and distracted driving

December 5, 2018

LAKELAND, Fla.–New research by Florida Polytechnic University faculty and students has the goal of detecting and preventing the growing problem of drowsy and distracted driving, one of the main causes of car accidents and fatalities on the roads. The project, under the guidance of Dr. Kanwal Gagneja, assistant professor of computer science, uses a microcomputer, a camera, and a buzzer.

3D printing technology empowers Florida Polytechnic University students creativity

December 3, 2018

When you walk into the Florida Polytechnic University 3D Printing Laboratory, you first notice the distinct humming sound that accompanies the state-of-the-art technology. It’s the sound of plastic filament feeding through a moving brass tip, where it is melted and turned into whatever component has been designed on a nearby computer. There’s been a lot of noise in the lab

Rube Goldberg machines open doors to problem-solving at Florida Polytechnic University

November 30, 2018

Playing cards, dominoes, marbles, soda cans, and even a robotic vacuum cleaner played a key role as Florida Polytechnic University’s students tested the Rube Goldberg machines they created. These items are not often seen in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) class, but they fill several classrooms at the university’s Innovation, Science, and Technology Building. A Rube Goldberg machine

Students showcase high-level game creations at largest Florida Polytechnic University Game EXPO yet

November 30, 2018

Screens full of monsters, wizards, fighters, spells, weapons, and even cats were at the center of the Florida Polytechnic University Game EXPO on Thursday, Nov. 29. Around 50 students presented a total of 24 games to peers, faculty, and industry leaders, featuring a wide variety of characters, interfaces, challenges and player interactions. The event was held in the Saddle Creek