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), 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.
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.
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.
Phoenix Racing crossed the finish line to place third among U.S. teams and sixth overall in its debut at the biennial Electrek American Solar Challenge on Saturday, Aug. 1.
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.
One of the most distinguished student programs at Florida Poly welcomed 10 new members, Monday, April 23, at its annual induction ceremony held in the Innovation, Science and Technology Building’s Aula Magna auditorium. The Presidential Ambassadors are made up of 16 students who are selected based on their academic standing, leadership, skills, citizenship and service citations. “You get a lot
Florida Polytechnic University has qualified for the first time to compete at the prestigious VEX Robotics World Championship, which is being held April 25-28 in Louisville, Kentucky. A total of 87 robotics teams from all over the world will compete at the college level. Florida Poly’s Purple Fire robotics team is one of only two Florida teams that qualified. The
Nearly a dozen Florida Polytechnic University employees are being recognized for their commitment and dedication in a variety of areas including teaching, research, and service to others. Ablaze, as the awards program is known, was launched this year to acknowledge and celebrate the efforts of the university’s 300 faculties and staff in making Florida Poly a world-class leader in science,
Senior Michelle Holzemer knew she was taking a risk when she joined the inaugural class at Florida Poly and committed to attend a university that hadn’t yet finished construction on its signature academic building and wasn’t yet accredited. In the four years since then, Holzemer has come a long way – and says the risk has been well worth it.
LAKELAND, Fla. – A group of Florida Polytechnic University students have taken on the mission of making the City of Winter Haven a “smart community” to better prepare it for the challenges of the future. The Winter Haven Economic Development Council (WHEDC) partnered with the City of Winter Haven and Florida Polytechnic University to take the first steps into making
LAKELAND, Fla. – A team of students from Florida Polytechnic University impressed the judges at the 2018 Governor’s Cup and won third place and $1,000 with their innovative scanning device. The “Shark Tank” style competition featured teams from nine state universities. Andre Ripley, a junior computer engineering major from the U.S. Virgin Islands, John Sarnecky, a junior mechanical engineering major
LAKELAND, Fla. – More than 300 Girl Scouts, and girls in general, will conquer the hallways and labs of Florida Polytechnic University on Saturday, April 14, for an exciting, hands-on event focused on science, technology, engineering and math. Florida Poly, the only public university in the state dedicated exclusively to STEM, will host STEMapalooza for the first time. The event
For the first time, a group of Florida Polytechnic University students will launch a rocket as part of a statewide competition sponsored by NASA’s Florida Space Grant Consortium (FSGC). The launch date is scheduled for Saturday, April 14, in Bunnell, Florida. The team of six students, called the Phoenix Flyers, has been preparing intensively for this hybrid motor high powered
The day a Florida Polytechnic University admissions counselor visited Marshall Bassford’s high school changed the course of his entire future. A brilliant student, Bassford completed an associate’s degree in creative writing while still in high school and planned to continue as a writer once in college. But his plans changed when he learned about the new university dedicated to science,
Florida Polytechnic University senior Danya Rubio has certainly made the most of the past four years. After she graduates on May 4, the Auburndale, Florida, native won’t have far to go to start her life as a professional working in the high-tech world. Rubio will begin her career as an engineer with Sofidel, the nation’s second largest tissue paper distributor
A Florida Polytechnic University delegation is in Brazil this week looking to build strategic alliances with universities and high-tech companies in South America’s largest country. The contingent includes Dr. Randy K. Avent, president of Florida Poly, Shahram Taj, professor of logistics and supply chain management, Dr. Mustafa Ilhan Akbas, professor of computer science, and Mustapha Achoubane, associate director of international
Students at Florida Polytechnic University are looking into ways of creating a source of biofuel by using algae known as diatoms, which are found in Polk County lakes. The search for viable alternatives to fossil fuels is a hot topic worldwide with biofuel being one possible solution. This study, headed by professor of biology Dr. Melba Horton, seeks to determine
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.
