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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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Florida Polytechnic University joins forces with Jacksonville Transportation Authority on self-driving vehicles

November 28, 2018

LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University and the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) announce a collaboration to enhance the development of autonomous vehicle (AV) technology in public transportation. Through a memorandum of understanding, both parties agree to work together to boost the research and application of this cutting-edge technology. “AV technology holds great promise for the whole transportation industry, but it’s

Florida Polytechnic University student gives back aiming to empower girls around the world

November 21, 2018

To say her plate is full is an understatement. Anita Silwal, a Florida Polytechnic University graduate student, is not only in the process of earning a master’s degree in innovation and technology with a concentration in big data analytics, she’s also committed to making a difference in the lives of children in her native Nepal and here in Florida. Silwal

Florida Polytechnic University Foundation Board expands reach across the state

November 20, 2018

LAKELAND, Fla. – The Florida Polytechnic University Foundation announced the addition of two new members to its Board of Directors, broadening its reach to the south and southwest Florida regions. Joining the Board are Ivette A. O’Doski, a Miami-Dade native and owner of a government consulting company, and Joshua McCoy, an expert in commercial, industrial, and government banking. O’Doski is

Thanksgiving holiday campus services and closures

November 16, 2018

We wish you a very pleasant Thanksgiving and want to remind you that there are no classes Wednesday, November 21-Friday, November 23. We look forward to seeing you back on campus on Monday, November 26. The list below outlines closures and activities available through the Thanksgiving holiday. Please contact Tonya Chestnut at 863-874-8622 if you have any questions. Residential Students: Wednesday, November

Florida Polytechnic University celebrates International Education Week with variety of activities

November 14, 2018

In celebration of International Education Week, Florida Poly’s Dining Services team has been busy all week providing a variety of international offerings. Monday’s menu featured a South African milk tart dessert while students had Indian chicken tikki masala on Tuesday. On Wednesday Nov. 14, University President Randy K. Avent joined Executive Chef Peter Gonsalves and Baker Kimberly Payne, as well

Native Brazilian student shares experiences studying abroad at Florida Polytechnic University

November 14, 2018

Editor’s Note: In recognition of International Education Week 2018 (Nov. 12-16), this story is part of a series of stories highlighting international students at Florida Poly. Bianca Silva ’21 is a computer engineering major from Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil. Belo Horizonte, which means “Beautiful Horizon” in Brazilian Portuguese, is the capital city of southeastern Brazil’s Minas Gerais state. Why did you

Army veteran now helps keep Florida Polytechnic University safe

November 11, 2018

Florida Polytechnic University police officer Phillip Youngs always goes into a mission with a game plan to survive. He’s not easily scared, and being disciplined has been instrumental to his success in life. These are all traits he says he acquired while serving in the United States Army. “Some of the things you learn in the military you’re able to

Florida Polytechnic University professor makes math meaningful for students

November 9, 2018

Editor’s Note: At Florida Poly, we’re 100 percent STEM so it’s only natural that we’re turning National STEM Day 2018 (Nov. 8) into a weeklong celebration of science, technology, engineering, and math. Abigail Bowers knew at a young age she had a connection to math, and her passion for the power of math has not wavered. Bowers is in her

Florida Polytechnic University research could lead to lasting impacts on space travel

November 7, 2018

Editor’s Note: At Florida Poly, we’re 100 percent STEM so it’s only natural that we’re turning National STEM Day 2018 (Nov. 8) into a weeklong celebration of science, technology, engineering, and math. Florida Polytechnic University researchers are exploring ways of using algae to make space travel more sustainable and energy efficient. The research project, funded by the NASA Florida Space

Capstone design program pairs students with dozens of regional companies in year-long projects

November 6, 2018

Editor’s Note: At Florida Poly, we’re 100 percent STEM so it’s only natural that we’re turning National STEM Day 2018 (Nov. 8) into a weeklong celebration of science, technology, engineering, and math. Monday’s focus was science, and today we explore technology. One of the many ways Florida Polytechnic University fulfills its mission – to serve students and industry through excellence

From Brazil to Florida Polytechnic University: Using his passion for computer science to fulfill his purpose

November 5, 2018

Editor’s Note: At Florida Poly, we’re 100 percent STEM so it’s only natural that we’re turning National STEM Day 2018 (Nov. 8) into a weeklong celebration of science, technology, engineering, and math. Up first is a focus on the “science” in STEM. The idea of going back to school after spending more than two decades in the workforce can be

Creating a bridge between chess and STEM

November 2, 2018

Dr. Muhammad Rashid compares higher education to what a blank piece of paper looks like after you hand it to an artist with a pen. For most of his life, the Florida Polytechnic University professor has marveled at how pursuing a degree can begin transforming a student from the time he or she first steps on a college campus. He’s