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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.

Polk State College President Anastasios Kamoutsas and Florida Polytechnic University President Devin Stephenson sign an expanded transfer agreement July 30 at Florida Poly’s Barnett Applied Research Center, joined by legislators, trustees, industry representatives and students.

Polk State and Florida Poly partner to build regional STEM pipeline

Polk State College and Florida Polytechnic University have entered into an articulation agreement, establishing the Eagle to Phoenix Pathway program for students. Polk State President Anastasios Kamoutsas and Florida Poly President Devin Stephenson signed the agreement on Thursday, July 30, strengthening the partnership between the institutions and expanding opportunities for students.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.