Florida Polytechnic University has named Jack Paris as the first head coach of its women’s soccer program as the University continues building its new athletics department.
Florida Polytechnic University marked a significant milestone on Saturday, May 9, celebrating its largest graduating class to date as more than 430 students crossed the stage at the University’s 2026 commencement.
Andrew McDonnell ’26 never stopped dreaming about the stars. As a child, he looked up at the sky, wondering what was out there, and that curiosity followed him to Florida Poly, where he pursued a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, took aerospace courses, and worked on a lunar mobility senior capstone project. He graduates on May 9.
Florida Polytechnic University has reached on-campus housing capacity for the upcoming academic year, reflecting continued strong demand and record student interest.
Florida Polytechnic University inducted 12 students into its highly selective Presidential Ambassadors program, where they will serve as official student representatives at key University events and engage with campus and community leaders.
Samantha Bentley ’26 didn’t always feel ready to step into leadership or research roles during her time as a computer science student at Florida Polytechnic University, but discovered she grew the most by doing it anyway. She will receive her bachelor’s degree on Saturday, May 9.
Lakeland, Fla, Feb. 6, 2017 – The Quebec-Florida Chamber of Commerce (CCQF) held its first trade mission in Central Florida on Wednesday, Feb. 1, highlighted by a visit to the campus of Florida Polytechnic University in Polk County. Hosted by the Polk Global Trade Alliance (PGTA), an initiative of the Central Florida Development Council (CFDC), and Florida Poly, the event
Florida Polytechnic University is now home to a collection of analytical instruments typically found in some of the top research labs in the country. While most of the general public has never heard of an X-ray diffractometer, they’ve certainly seen its products. A diffractometer uses X-rays to determine the structure of a crystal. It’s a test used to study the
Florida Poly students are natural problem solvers. Just ask Gabriel Hutchison, a junior who applied his Computer Science studies to a problem every college student can relate to: class enrollment. More specifically, how to coordinate open classes and their specific days and times, a required course load and a schedule outside classes. Gabriel is also a commuter, so it’s helpful
A robotics team from Lakeland Christian School enjoyed several victories this semester, often against students much older than themselves. Their secret weapon: Florida Polytechnic University students. “It’s a transformative experience in the lives of young students when they have college kids ready to help them out,” says Jennifer Canady, director of the RISE Institute at Lakeland Christian. While the team
LAKELAND, Fla. – Students at Florida Polytechnic University are now eligible to apply for Federal Student Aid after the University successfully completed a series of steps required by the US Department of Education. This new designation for Florida Poly means current and prospective students can submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2016-17 academic year to
LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University named the commons area inside the Innovation, Science and Technology (IST) Building after Saddle Creek Logistics Services on Monday. Saddle Creek has been an industry partner with Florida Poly since the University opened its doors in 2014. The naming of the commons area after Saddle Creek reflects the importance of the partnership. “Saddle Creek’s
LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University graduated its first ever class during a historic commencement ceremony on campus Tuesday. Eighteen students received degrees in Innovation and Technology, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, and Electrical Engineering. Florida Poly was established to be an innovative institution and powerful resource for economic advancement, training the next generation to be leaders and entrepreneurs in high-tech
The magic of Harry Potter met the hard reality of science under a class taught recently at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) by three Florida Polytechnic University students. The class was part of a weekend event called Splash, which brings together high school students from all over the country for a weekend focused on learning more about science, technology,
A new app in development at Florida Polytechnic University could be a game changer for people with diabetes. The app serves as a personal assistant of sorts for diabetics by reminding them to check their blood glucose levels, providing them personalized reports to chart their habits and, perhaps most importantly, a social environment for emotional support. It’s especially beneficial for
Alec Maier is a pioneer in the truest sense of the word. The Florida Polytechnic University freshman stands among the growing group of game developers testing the limits of virtual reality. He’s already developed a bestselling game in Holopoint, an immersive archery battle that keeps players on their toes as they try to repel waves of ninjas. But that’s just
It could be decades before humans make it to the rocky surface of Mars, but Florida Polytechnic University sophomore Payton Barnwell is already working to get them there safely. Having landed a $12,000 grant through the Florida Space Research Program, Barnwell will lead a project this spring testing how to possibly protect plants, technology and explorers from radiation. Prolonged exposure
Florida Polytechnic University hosted its second #STEMTalks virtual event of the 2016-17 academic year on November 17 titled, “The Internet of Things: A Future of Constant Connection.” This #STEMTalks event featured a virtual panel of experts involved with IoT, from the creation and development of devices to the adaptation of these devices into everyday life. John Walicki, a Watson IoT
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.
