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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 Student Brings Research Talent to NASA

August 15, 2017

Getting to Mars takes more than rockets. Hundreds of people are working on the logistics of sending astronauts to the red planet, from staying fit to entertainment on the long ride. Among them is Florida Poly rising Junior Payton Barnwell, who spent the summer testing the optimal conditions to grow plants in space. It’s familiar territory for Payton, who is

Computer science junior Celeste Ramirez is building worlds – Florida Polytechnic University

August 14, 2017

Celeste Ramirez is building worlds. More specifically, she’s developing the world of Deadwood, a video game in development from Steamroller Studios in Eustis, Fla. Steamroller Studios is a full-service programming, concept art and animation studio, with a team who has worked on games like Rise of the Tomb Raider, Worms W.M.D. and Deus Ex: Mankind Divided. Celeste, a rising Junior

Florida Polytechnic University Awarded Foundation Scholarship Grant From Duke Energy

August 8, 2017

LAKELAND, Fla. – The Florida Polytechnic University Foundation, Inc. has received a $50,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation for scholarships. The funds will be directed towards the University’s competitive scholarship program to provide financial support to qualified students. The Duke Energy Foundation grants are dedicated to enhancing educational programs focused on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), childhood reading

Cross-Country Trip For Mens Health Begins

August 6, 2017

The fourth annual Drive for Men’s Health kicked off Monday morning with a check presentation to boost scholarships at Florida Polytechnic University. South Lake Hospital in Orlando was the starting point for a cross-country trip intended to raise awareness about men’s health issues. The first stop on the drive is New Orleans, followed by Houston, Los Angeles and Salt Lake

Florida Polytechnic University senior gains real-world computer programming experience

August 4, 2017

It’s said there’s an app for everything — and that includes picking out a couch. Building out this technology at Badcock Furniture & More is a team of programmers, including Florida Polytechnic University Senior Rhett Fitchett. Rhett interned over the summer as part of the web integrations team at the Mulberry, Fla., headquarters of the furniture store. The role introduced

U.S. DOL Secretary Alexander Acosta Visits

July 19, 2017

Developing the next wave of Florida’s high-tech business leaders was the focus of U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta’s visit Friday to Florida Polytechnic University. The visit included a meeting between University leadership and the Secretary to discuss Florida Poly’s unique approach to high-tech higher education, the creation of highly skilled jobs and the impact on the economy. The Secretary

What Florida Polytechnic University Can Offer Students: A Conversation with Richy

July 14, 2017

I’m Richy Truncale, admissions counselor at Florida Poly covering the greater Tampa Bay area. I’ve worked for Florida Poly since July, spending most of my time on the road visiting high schools and speaking with students about the opportunities available at Florida Poly. I visit about 10 to 12 schools a week, speaking with counselors and answering questions prospective students

Innovative Toaster Wins Students Hackathon Prize

July 11, 2017

You’ve heard of smart phones and smart cars. But how about a smart toaster? A team of Florida Polytechnic University students have developed a prototype toaster that delivers a perfectly toasted piece of bread every time. The project was creative enough to snag third place at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s recent Hackriddle. “It was an exciting end to the weekend,” says

Mosquito Busters: The Next to Tackle Disease

July 1, 2017

Zika virus, meet your match. A pair of Florida Polytechnic University students are researching a method for eliminating mosquitoes without the use of chemicals or hurting other insects. Their weapon is an audible frequency that disturbs a fine-tuned sensory organ called scolopidia. Scolopidia are ordinarily used to detect predators like an incoming dragonfly, but a small scale test has shown

Florida Polytechnic University Granted Initial Regional Accreditation

June 26, 2017

LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University was granted initial regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award bachelor’s and master’s degrees, a significant milestone the University has diligently worked toward since its founding. This decision means future Florida Poly graduates, and those who graduated earlier this year, will have a degree from

Florida Polytechnic University Hosts First International Conferences

May 22, 2017

Researchers from as far away as Australia and China were represented this weekend as Florida Polytechnic University hosted its first international conferences. The 2017 International Conference on Computing and Data Analysis and International Conference on Computing and Data Analysis brought together over 40 researchers representing a dozen countries to share their research on topics including data analysis, machine learning and

Florida Polytechnic University Seals Partnership with Fulbright Canada

May 11, 2017

LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University and the Foundation for Educational Exchange between Canada and the United States of America (Fulbright Canada) have formed a partnership bringing new educational opportunities for students and professors. The partnership establishes Killam Fellowships, as well as a Fulbright Visiting Research Chair at Florida Poly – creating study abroad programs, research exchanges, and teaching opportunities