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.
An innovative project from Florida Polytechnic University students could potentially save hospitals significant investment by re-engineering a device that measures vibration, dust, noise and differences in air pressure during hospital construction projects. The existing Skanska USA inSite monitor typically costs $6,000, and in some cases more. Florida Poly created a hardware prototype for use in their student laboratory with $300
LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University President Dr. Randy K. Avent presented to the State University System Board of Governors today plans for the new university’s next major campus development – an Applied Research Center (ARC). The ARC will unite students, faculty and industry partners in the pursuit of cutting-edge research to advance technology and catalyze economic growth in Florida. “With more
“Making the world a better place” is more than a cliché for Carl-Edwin Rigaud and his twin brother, Marc-Edwin Riguad. The Florida Poly juniors grew up in Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and a frequent target for natural disasters. Most recently, Hurricane Matthew swept through the country, killing more than 1,000 people. In 2010, the country was
As Provost of Florida Polytechnic University, Dr. Terry Parker oversees all aspects of the academic experience, from recruiting students and steering curriculum, to hiring professors and securing research grants amid Florida Poly’s growth. Parker most recently served as the Provost and Executive Vice President of the Colorado School of Mines, one of the world’s leading engineering institutions focused on applied
LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University today held its first in-person #STEMTalks event titled “Disrupting Markets, One Person – or Fingerprint – at a Time,” with a keynote by Co-founder and CEO of K4Connect F. Scott Moody, one of the founders behind the fingerprint sensor technology used in many Apple products. The event at Florida Poly’s Innovation, Science and Technology (IST)
Tallahassee – Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Secretary Jim Boxold today announced a long-term partnership between FDOT and Florida Polytechnic University to construct the new, state-of-the-art transportation technology testing facility, SunTrax. The creation of this facility will establish Florida as a transportation technology leader and create a high-tech hub for the research, development and testing of emerging transportation technologies related to
Matt Edwards admits with a grin that he’s “a bit of a perfectionist.” So it’s not a surprise he chose a career in logistics. “If you can find a job that suits your personality, that’s what you need to pursue,” Matt says. Now in his junior year at Florida Polytechnic University, Matt, of Bartow, Fla., is taking his own advice.
A medical clinic for low-income families can serve the community more efficiently and explore new funding options thanks to the work of two Florida Polytechnic University students. The Haley Center in Winter Haven, Fla., provides free primary health care to qualified residents in Polk County. It’s a critical service in a county where an estimated 20 percent of the population
LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University Board of Trustees Chairman, Frank T. Martin, has been inducted in the 2016 American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) Hall of Fame. The APTA Awards Hall of Fame is dedicated to honoring individuals who have long and distinguished careers in the transportation industry and have made extraordinary contributions to public transportation over the years. The
Two prestigious leadership development programs have selected Florida Polytechnic University employees for upcoming classes. Mary Church, assistant director of development, has been admitted to Leadership Tampa Bay. Jessica Throckmorton, government relations and external affairs coordinator, was selected for Leadership Orlando. “I am excited to be part of an elite group of leaders from the Hillsborough, Polk, Pinellas and Pasco counties,”
LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University is pleased to feature Co-founder and CEO of K4Connect, F. Scott Moody, as keynote speaker at its industry partnership and thought leadership event on September 30. Moody is best known as the co-founder and former chairman/CEO of AuthenTec, a leading provider of fingerprint sensor technology, which was acquired by Apple in 2012. The AuthenTec fingerprint
Tova Jones relies on more than books to gain knowledge. Sure, classroom instruction at Florida Polytechnic University has given this sophomore greater understanding of science and technology. But nothing can replace the real-world experience that comes from internships and networking. Some past events Tova has attended include a weeklong Women’s Business Enterprise National Council conference and Emory University’s INROADS Leadership Summit.
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.
