NASA tests Florida Poly student-designed tool to improve spacewalks

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.
Student internship brings product development ideas to life

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.
Florida Poly alum at the heart of bioprinting innovation

Dr. Steven Chisolm ’19 believes the future of medicine is being built layer by layer, literally. What may sound like science fiction, such as 3D printing functional hearts or kidneys for transplant, is quickly becoming possible, and he is among the innovators helping turn that vision into reality. A proud Florida Polytechnic University mechanical engineering […]
NSF-funded study uses brain data to rethink engineering education

Fueled by a new National Science Foundation (NSF) grant, innovative research at Florida Polytechnic University aims to redefine the way professors approach engineering design education.
Promising spacewalk solution engineered by Florida Poly students

Performing maintenance outside the International Space Station is a complex and risky task that requires astronauts to wear bulky space suits and conduct spacewalks to repair vital components like the station’s protective multi-layer insulation.
Lakeland Police Department adopts high-tech Florida Poly body-cam trigger

Mechanical engineers at Florida Polytechnic University have put their skills to the test for the Lakeland Police Department, inventing a device to help make turning on their body cameras effortless in situations when they must draw their firearm.
Phoenix Racing revved up for first Formula Sun Grand Prix

The final finishing touches are in place and excitement is high as Florida Polytechnic University’s first solar racing team prepares to head to Bowling Green, Kentucky, this week to participate in its first ever Formula Sun Grand Prix solar car race. Light, eye-catching, and aerodynamic, the car is ready to be loaded up and begin […]
Alum engineers multistate success with Whiting-Turner

In the six years since Chris Dowdy ’18 earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering as a member of Florida Polytechnic University’s inaugural class, he has built a solid career as a project manager at Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, a nationwide construction management, design-build, and integrated project delivery firm. Before joining the company’s Nashville, Tennessee, office […]
Phoenix’s aerospace career off to a flying start

Florida Polytechnic University rising sophomore Jonathan Gauthier’s burgeoning expertise as a private pilot dovetails with his growing knowledge of mechanical engineering and his desire to one day design aviation equipment and parts for both optimal performance and a stellar user experience. Gauthier earned his pilot’s license in 2022. He was inspired to take to the […]
Purple Fire Robotics team tops U.S. combat bot stats, readies for national championship

Florida Polytechnic University student Russell Williams has spent the last two years building and refining a combat robot that has become the No. 2 robot in the country in its class. In just a few weeks, the robot could battle its way to ending the season as the top bot in its category nationally. Williams, […]