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Florida Poly fuels $952 million in annual economic impact

November 20, 2025

Florida Polytechnic University is fueling Florida’s economy with more than $952 million in annual economic activity, according to a new study by distinguished economist Dr. Rick Harper. The analysis shows the University contributes over $523 million each year to the state’s gross domestic product (GDP), including more than $117 million directly within Polk County. The University’s economic activity stems from

Florida Poly opens new hub for innovation: the Gary C. Wendt Engineering Center

November 18, 2025

Florida Polytechnic University celebrated a major milestone with the debut of its 40,000-square-foot Gary C. Wendt Engineering Center (GCW) on Tuesday, Nov. 18. The $15 million facility adds state-of-the-art laboratory space and equipment designed to elevate student learning, fuel innovation and solidify the University’s role as an economic driver for the state of Florida. The GCW features advanced research and

Florida Poly alum at the heart of bioprinting innovation

November 17, 2025

Dr. Steven Chisolm ’19 believes the future of medicine is being built layer by layer, literally. What may sound like science fiction, such as 3D printing functional hearts or kidneys for transplant, is quickly becoming possible, and he is among the innovators helping turn that vision into reality. A proud Florida Polytechnic University mechanical engineering graduate, Chisolm is now a

Florida Poly faculty joins national committee on recycling innovation

November 14, 2025

Florida Polytechnic University’s Dr. Malak Anshassi has earned national recognition for her research advancing recycling, solid waste management and sustainability. She was recently appointed to serve as a recycling expert on a prestigious committee of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to address the pressing problem of waste reduction. Anshassi, an assistant professor of environmental engineering, was selected

From boot camp to Blue Origin: Engineering student builds future at Florida Poly

November 10, 2025

Celebrating Veterans Day Every Veterans Day, Florida Polytechnic University student Jonny Anderson can’t help but reflect on the journey that led him from serving in both the Marine Corps and Air Force Reserve to helping build rockets for space technology company Blue Origin. With determination squarely focused on earning a mechanical engineering degree, Anderson is living a dream many students

Florida Poly and South Korean university GIST team up to drive global STEM research

November 6, 2025

A new partnership between Florida Polytechnic University and South Korea’s Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) is set to boost academic and research collaboration at both institutions, widely recognized for advancing STEM education. The partnership facilitates student and faculty exchanges as well as research initiatives, with the goal of elevating the quality and impact of each university’s scholarship and

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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

From Monster Jamming to Napercising: Fitness made fun at Florida Polytechnic University

October 31, 2018

A fitness instructor dressed in ’80s workout attire took the lead at a Monster Jam Cardio Class at Florida Polytechnic University on Monday, Oct. 29. Students came in costumes ranging from lifeguards to anime characters and enjoyed dancing to popular songs like Rihanna’s “Disturbia” and Katy Perry’s “Dark Horse.” “It’s the first time we’ve offered a Halloween group fitness class

Florida Polytechnic University leads effort to stop mobile device hackers

October 30, 2018

LAKELAND, Fla.–Students at Florida Polytechnic University may soon be at the forefront of cybersecurity education with cutting edge curriculum focused exclusively on mobile computing security. Dr. Karim Elish, assistant professor in the computer science department, has been awarded a $70,500 grant from the Florida Center for Cybersecurity to develop an evolving course on mobile security and privacy. The curriculum will

A Dream Fulfilled | Alumni

October 26, 2018

If he had it do over again, Luke Aiello ’18 wouldn’t have made any other choice. The Florida Polytechnic University graduate speaks glowingly of his four years at the University and how well it positioned him for the workforce. “I was surprised at how prepared I felt when I started my job,” said Aiello. “I’ve heard that from other alumni,