After more than eight years in the U.S. Air Force, Shaina Kesti is preparing for a new mission: using engineering to help fellow veterans regain mobility and independence. As Kesti looked toward her future, the Florida Poly freshman and computer engineering major channeled an interest in robotics and a desire to help people who have lost limbs.
Florida Polytechnic University and SelectFlorida have established a strategic partnership to attract high-value investment, advance technology infrastructure and expand Florida’s competitiveness in fast-growing commercial sectors.
Florida Polytechnic University and South Korean technology company Two-N Co., Ltd. joined forces on Oct. 29, to launch research in critical mineral recovery from phosphate mining byproducts. The collaboration establishes a multi-year framework for technical exchange, joint research and testing using advanced membrane distillation technology.
Research advancing scientific knowledge and technology has earned five Florida Polytechnic University faculty members a place on Stanford University’s 2026 World’s Top 2% Scientists list.
Dr. Devin Stephenson, president of Florida Polytechnic University, has been named to Florida Trend magazine’s prestigious Florida 500 list for the third straight year, recognizing his leadership and growing influence in advancing STEM education and economic development.
Florida Polytechnic University’s new athletics program has received its first philanthropic gift, a $60,000 contribution from longtime Lakeland residents Bob and Deedra Knight. The milestone donation marks an exciting step forward for Florida Poly Athletics as the University builds its inaugural sports teams and gains support from the local community.
Florida Polytechnic University students earned almost $15,000 in prize money this semester with their innovative ideas and inventions. The most recent prize was through SlingShot Polk, an event presented by the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce. The competition is divided into three age categories: middle school; high school; and college and entrepreneurs under 30. Florida Poly students were the sole representatives
Jenario Johnson has an invention he thinks is a knockout. It’s called StrikeSense, and it answers a problem the Florida Poly junior noticed in his martial arts classes. Two instructors teaching a class of 20 couldn’t accurately keep track of a student’s individual progress. StrikeSense uses an accelerometer to measure in real time the velocity and power of punches and
Editor’s Note: View the most recent senior profiles featuring several of Florida Poly’s CLASS OF 2018 GRADUATES. LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University held its second-ever graduation during a spring commencement ceremony on campus Friday. Twenty-four students, including four who will finish courses over the summer, received degrees in either Innovation and Technology, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical
Move over spellers. The math whizzes are here. Florida Poly recently hosted its first Integral Bee, a friendly competition among students to determine who can best solve the math problems known as integrals. Organizers say the inaugural competition was an outstanding success and poised to become a tradition at Florida Poly. “The students did great and had a lot of
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
