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.
On April 12th, Florida Polytechnic University hosted its fourth #STEMTalks of the 2016-2017 academic year. The virtual event titled, “Drones: Changing Your Perspective,” consisted of a panel of drone experts with experience in recreational, commercial and military drone use. Ryan English, president and co-founder of Tampa-based FLYMOTION Unmanned Systems, spoke about FLYMOTION’s involvement in drone technology. FLYMOTION provides unmanned systems
Florida Poly inventions and business plans took home top prizes at recent state competitions. Ten universities from across the state were represented at the Governor’s Cup in Tallahassee from March 30-31. The Governor’s Cup is an entrepreneurial competition hosted by the Roundtable of Entrepreneurship Educators of Florida (REEF). The top three teams received start-up funding for their concepts. The Florida
An innovative idea for creating nylon from shrimp shells was among the winners of Florida Polytechnic University’s fourth Bio Expo. The Expo is one of the longest standing traditions at Florida Poly, and an introduction for new students to the university’s belief in tying all classes — including core requirements — back to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). “The
Nearly 50 Florida Polytechnic University students and leaders filled the Florida State Capitol on Tuesday for “Florida Poly Day.” The annual event focuses on promoting the future of research and innovation at the state’s only university dedicated exclusively to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). This year’s visit included one-on-one meetings with legislators to discuss the university’s mission, applied research
The wait time in an emergency room can sometimes feel like an eternity, especially if you’re in pain. So what’s the solution? Two Florida Polytechnic University students think they have the answer. It’s called MELP, or Medical Expertise Location and Performance, a play on the popular website and app, Yelp. Instead of users ranking businesses and restaurants, though, doctors and
Think about how much heat builds up inside an attic on a summer day. Now, convert that heat into a source of energy and you’ve got the basis for Michael Jernigan’s latest invention. It’s called “HeatRise,” and it harnesses differences in temperatures to power a light source. For Michael, a sophomore from Winter Haven studying electrical engineering, it’s validation of
Joined by police chiefs, mental health counselors, medical school deans, and student leaders, the Board of Governors and presidents from all 12 of Florida’s public universities came together on Wednesday to rally support for additional mental health counselors and law enforcement officers, raising the State University System’s research profile, and rewarding university performance. The rally marked the kick-off of the
“High block, low block, mid-block,” calls instructor Rich Ganey, as the students behind him sweep their lightsabers into each position. Minutes later, the students are paired off into sparring groups and the clack of their training lightsabers echo across the lawn. Welcome to the Jedi Academy at Florida Polytechnic University. “This is a martial arts club centered on the training
LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University is pleased to announce its first international conference hosted in partnership with Panjab University in Chandigarh, India. The conference will take place at Panjab University April 20-22, 2017, and will bring various experts together to discuss Green Chemistry/Engineering and Technologies (GCET) for sustainable development. The purpose of the event is to provide a forum
LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University this weekend hosted the Florida Academy of Sciences (FAS) 2017 Annual Conference at the Innovation, Science and Technology Building. Faculty, post-doctoral research fellows, graduate and undergraduate students came together to exchange new scientific discoveries and recognize significant breakthroughs that are building the development and economy of Florida. During the two-day conference, attendees from across
Nine Florida Polytechnic University students took home awards for their presentations at the 81st Annual Meeting of the Florida Academy of Sciences (FAS). The annual meeting brings together students and industry professionals from across the state to present their research in a wide variety of disciplines. This year’s meeting was held from March 10-11 at Florida Poly. Florida Poly students were
Florida Polytechnic University hosted its third #STEMTalks virtual event of the 2016-17 academic year on February 21 titled, “Virtual Reality: A World of Immersion.” This #STEMTalks event featured a panel of experts who are involved in different aspects of virtual reality, from gaming to flight simulation. Tyler Hopf, Creative Director at IrisVR, joined the conversation from New York to discuss
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.
