Close

Florida Polytechnic University students pitch Great Eight entrepreneurship ideas

It was a tense afternoon of pitching innovative ideas to a panel of academic and industry experts at Florida Polytechnic University as the third annual Great Eight competition took place at the Innovation, Science, and Technology Building. The event mimics the popular television show “Shark Tank” where students present their concepts before a panel of […]

A passion for numbers that transcends all possibilities

When Florida Polytechnic University student Isabel Zimmermann was in elementary school, she never imagined her professional future would be defined by math. After all, she struggled with it. “I remember in second grade I had to stay in from recess because I couldn’t understand how to subtract,” said Zimmermann, a sophomore who is majoring in […]

Florida Polytechnic University students hack their way to number one at statewide hackathon

LAKELAND, Fla. – For the first time, Florida Polytechnic University won first place at the well-known HackRiddle competition, a 24-hour hackathon held annually at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida. The event brought together more than 200 college students from across Florida to compete in front of judges, mentors, and industry leaders. Florida Poly […]

Florida Polytechnic University program styling students for success

One of the most stressful moments for college students is interviewing with prospective employers. The question and answer session may only last a few minutes, but there’s much more that goes into preparing for that big moment. That’s why Florida Polytechnic University is offering its students a comprehensive program to provide the expert advice they […]

Florida Polytechnic University welcomes Fulbright Belgium and Luxembourg official

Florida Polytechnic University welcomed Erica Lutes, the executive director of the Commission for Educational Exchange between the United States, Belgium and Luxembourg – otherwise known as Fulbright Belgium and Luxembourg – to its Lakeland, Florida, campus on Jan. 16. Lutes toured the campus and met with University administration, faculty, and students. She was also presented […]

Florida Polytechnic University students aim to reduce drowsy and distracted driving

LAKELAND, Fla.–New research by Florida Polytechnic University faculty and students has the goal of detecting and preventing the growing problem of drowsy and distracted driving, one of the main causes of car accidents and fatalities on the roads. The project, under the guidance of Dr. Kanwal Gagneja, assistant professor of computer science, uses a microcomputer, […]

Rube Goldberg machines open doors to problem-solving at Florida Polytechnic University

Playing cards, dominoes, marbles, soda cans, and even a robotic vacuum cleaner played a key role as Florida Polytechnic University’s students tested the Rube Goldberg machines they created. These items are not often seen in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) class, but they fill several classrooms at the university’s Innovation, Science, and Technology […]

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.