Andrew McDonnell ’26 has never stopped dreaming about the stars. As a child, he looked up at the sky and wondered about what was out there, and that curiosity followed him to �Թ���, where he pursued a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, took aerospace courses, joined NASA’s L’SPACE Program, and worked on a senior capstone project centered on the lunar mobility. The project earned second place in its large team category at the University’s annual capstone showcase.

McDonnell, a graduate of Lake Gibson High School in Lakeland, �Թ���, will receive his degree on Saturday, May 9, at �Թ��� Poly’s commencement ceremony at Lakeland’s RP Funding Center.

Why did you choose your major?

I like the design process and have been a big fan of Legos ever since I was a little kid. I also like playing Minecraft. I’ve always enjoyed building things and coming up with new ideas. If I can create something that helps people, even if it’s not in the aerospace industry but is something like designing hospitals, roadways or bridges, I just want to make the world a better place.

What was your greatest accomplishment at �Թ��� Poly?

Getting accepted into graduate school has been my biggest accomplishment. Besides my dad, nobody else in my family has really done a master’s program, so being the first in my family to take that step after him is really special. It means a lot to me to continue that path and keep building on what I started here.

How well do you feel �Թ��� Poly prepared you for life after graduation?

I’m coming back for my master’s degree, and �Թ��� Poly has prepared me well, especially through capstone. Our sponsor, �Թ��� Space Institute at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, gave us an idea, and we turned it into a directive, created our scope, narrowed it down and produced an actual product. It was the coolest and most hands-on thing I’ve done, and it taught me how to work through challenges and create something real from the ground up.

What are your plans after graduation?

I’m staying here for graduate school because I think it will give me an extra boost in the job market, and the classes I’ll take are really cool and relevant to industry. I’m looking forward to continuing my growth here.

What advice do you have for an incoming student?

Don’t take the simpler classes lightly. I was guilty of thinking I could put off homework or skip studying for a quiz, but you should always be on top of your game and on top of your grades. I didn’t take that as seriously as I should have at first, but I learned quickly.

Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of Q&As featuring �Թ��� Poly Class of 2026 graduates.

Contact:
Lydia Guzmán
Director of Communications
863-874-8557

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The milestone comes as �Թ��� Poly experiences a 39% increase in student net deposits compared to this time last year, a clear signal of the institution’s rising reputation and appeal among high-achieving students pursuing STEM degrees.

University leaders note that this growth aligns directly with the direction set by state leaders and the �Թ��� Board of Governors to expand access to high-demand STEM education.

“Our growth is a direct result of the vision set by state leadership to expand opportunity in high-impact fields. We are delivering on that charge, enrolling more students than ever before without compromising the high standards and academic excellence that set �Թ��� Poly apart,” said Beth Kigel, chair of �Թ��� Poly’s Board of Trustees. “The demand we see reflects the rising reputation and great value of our institution. Now, it is critical that we continue working together to ensure the infrastructure and resources are in place to support this momentum and sustain the University’s trajectory.”

The �Թ��� Poly administration is actively weighing all options to manage the current housing demand, including encouraging upper-division students to consider off-campus housing while additional capacity is explored.

“This level of interest speaks to the strength of �Թ��� Poly’s academic programs, and the value students see in our STEM-focused education,” said Bryan Brooks, vice president of student affairs, enrollment management and strategic communications. “We are attracting some of the top students in the state, and as our reputation continues to rise, it is essential that we have the infrastructure to match that demand.”

“Having the funds to expand our housing capacity is key to ensuring we can fully deliver on our mission and provide the experience our students expect and deserve,” Brooks added.

�Թ��� Poly remains committed to working collaboratively with state partners to align its growth with strategic investments that will allow the University to continue advancing excellence in education, workforce development, and economic impact across �Թ���.

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Lydia Guzmán
Director of Communications
863-874-8557

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The 2026-2027 cohort of ambassadors, which includes six returning members, was formally inducted during a ceremony recognizing their academic achievement, leadership potential, and commitment to service. The ceremony took place on Friday, May 1, at the Barnett Applied Research Center on campus.

“I really like being involved in my community and was excited for the chance to meet new people, improve my speaking skills and help this school that’s helped me so much,” said new ambassador Charlize Gutierrez-Lopez, a sophomore majoring in industrial engineering with a goal of becoming a pilot. “I want to be that person that people can look up to overall.”

Ambassadors are appointed by the University president after a rigorous selection process that evaluates academic standing and leadership potential. They receive specialized training in communication, leadership and professional development, assisting them in their duties in the program as well as their career aspirations.

“True leadership is rooted in service, in the willingness to act for something greater than yourself, and your service supports the Office of the President and furthers the institution’s vision,” said Dr. Devin Stephenson, the University’s president, to the new class of ambassadors. “Your selection to this elite group reflects hard work, character, academic excellence and a passion for �Թ��� Poly. You stand as the face of �Թ���, and your presence and actions will influence how others experience this institution.”

In sync with that charge, returning ambassadors highlighted the program’s impact on their personal and professional growth.

“Over the past year that I’ve been in this wonderful program, I’ve learned so much about leadership, service and what it means to be a �Թ��� Poly student,” said Daniel Fellows, a junior majoring in electrical engineering and the group’s incoming chair. “I think part of our responsibility to the program is to shine a light on everything �Թ��� Poly has to offer, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity to lead and help shape the perception of this University.”

The Presidential Ambassadors program is sponsored by Mid�Թ��� Credit Union.

2026-2027 Presidential Ambassadors

• Daniel Fellows, chair, electrical engineering
• Madeline Prewett, vice chair, electrical engineering
• Lucas Batista, data science
• Ellie De Berry, cybersecurity engineering
• Charlize Gutierrez-Lopez, industrial engineering
• Erica Kozak, mechanical engineering
• Luke Meler, mechanical engineering
• Stephen Raghunandan, computer science
• Jannice Rivera, computer science
• Alyson Smyth, electrical engineering
• Jaymee Thompson, computer science
• Lucas Weitzman, electrical engineering

Contact:
Lydia Guzmán
Director of Communications
863-874-8557

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Samantha Bentley ’26 didn’t always feel ready to step into leadership or research roles during her time as a computer science student at �Թ���, but discovered she grew the most by doing it anyway. “That’s where all my best opportunities have come from,” she said. Bentley will receive her bachelor’s degree at the University’s commencement on Saturday, May 9.

This approach to learning and life has led her to becoming a published researcher, SGA Senate president, and career-ready graduate. After graduation, Bentley is set to begin a full-time position with global engineering company KBR.

Why did you choose your major?

I was drawn to computer science because of the strong career opportunities and financial stability the field offers, but I also genuinely enjoy working with technology. What kept me interested was realizing how flexible the field is. I’ve been able to combine it with areas I care about, like psychology, project management and virtual reality.

What was your greatest accomplishment at �Թ��� Poly?

One of my biggest accomplishments was co-authoring a research paper on virtual reality leadership simulation for introverts, which was accepted to a national conference. On top of that, I placed first in two undergraduate competitions at IEOM (10th North American International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management). The research topic was something I had hoped to pursue before even coming to college, and working with Dr. Abdelwahab Hamam made that possible. His mentorship helped turn that goal into something real.

How well do you feel �Թ��� Poly prepared you for life after graduation?

I’ve always believed college should do three things: help you build a strong network, prove to employers you can handle challenging material, and give you space to explore different interests. �Թ��� Poly gave me all three. The coursework challenged me, and as a smaller school, it allowed me to build meaningful relationships with both peers and faculty. That environment made it easier to take on leadership roles and pursue research opportunities that shaped my direction.

Where did you complete your internship(s) and what did you gain from the experience?

I worked with KBR supporting project management tools using Excel and Power BI. I helped build systems that track project data and improve visibility for teams. What I gained most was an understanding of how technical tools support real decision-making in complex environments, especially in government and defense-related projects. After graduation, I plan to continue working full-time with KBR in a technical role focused on data and project systems, with plans to explore international opportunities.

What are your long-term career goals?

I want to work at the intersection of technology and human behavior, especially in areas like training, simulation, and data-driven decision support. I’m interested in building tools that not only function well, but also help people perform better in real-world environments. As much as I love to think about long-term career goals, I also want a simple life – a house with dogs. Career-wise, I want to do work that makes me happy and fuels that goal.

What advice do you have for an incoming student?

Get involved early, because if you wait until you feel ready, time can pass you by. Most of my growth has come from stepping into opportunities before I felt fully prepared and then learning as I went. Take steps toward your goals, no matter how far-fetched they may seem – start with one step, then another, and just keep going.

Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of Q&As featuring �Թ��� Poly Class of 2026 graduates.

Contact:
Lydia Guzmán
Director of Communications
863-874-8557

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Through the capstone program, multidisciplinary student teams spend months designing, building and refining solutions tailored to sponsors’ specific needs. Fifty teams participated in this year’s showcase.

Among the top projects, a 10-member team earned first place in the large team category for designing Running Mate Scout, an autonomous drone system intended to improve runner safety.

“They really took what I gave them – my vision, my thoughts, all the security and safety features that we needed it to have – and they brought it to life,” said Dena Lewis, the company’s CEO and founder. “Now we have a working prototype we can present to investors, and I’m so happy. I’d love to employ every single one of them.”

Jordan Fahringer, a mechanical engineering major with an aerospace concentration, was part of an eight-member team that built a prototype robotic system to support lunar exploration and construction.

The project was sponsored by the �Թ��� Space Institute at NASA Kennedy Space Center. The team designed a 3D-printed cone penetrometer rover to test lunar surfaces and identify the best locations for construction.

“This was a really good experience because we not only had access to the project sponsor but were also in communication with a subject matter expert who helped with some of the more technical aspects,” said Fahringer, who will begin working at Kennedy Space Center this June as a NASA contractor supporting the Artemis mission. “I feel really happy about what we accomplished.”

Other capstone projects included real-time manatee vocalization detection for New College of �Թ���, automated acid sampling for the Mosaic Company, and an obstacle-scaling robot for the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

“Students, you took on real problems, built real solutions, adapted when things changed, and figured it out when it was not obvious,” said Dr. Matt Bohm, director of industry engagement and capstone projects at �Թ��� Poly. “That matters, and you should be proud of what you’ve done.”

The event concluded with awards for first-place teams in the small, medium and large categories, as well as with runner-up honors in each category.

2026 Capstone Showcase Winners

• First Place – Large Team: Running Mate Scout, sponsored by Running Mate. Team members: Nasir Billah, Nigel Braithwaite, Joseph Companion, Marisa de Cormier, Daniel Freer, Jeremy Goff, Norbert Krajewski, Devon Parcase, Sterling Peters and Rob Rodriguez. Majors: computer engineering, computer science and mechanical engineering.
• Runner Up – Large Team: Lunar mobility and terra-mechanics for robotic construction – A, sponsored by FSI – NASA Kennedy. Team members: David Chazbani, Viktor Johansen, Kalia Lafferty, Gabriel Lesak, Andrew McDonnell, Hollan Sellers, Aidan Sieger, Aden Smith and William Polan. Majors: applied mathematics, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering and mechanical engineering.
• First Place – Medium Team: LIDAR image generation and stitching, sponsored by Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Team members: James Allegra, Gaspar Chayer, Gerardo Claudio, Jackson Giles, Leon Harry, Michael Stevenson, Daniel Taylor and Lillian Wright. Majors: computer engineering, computer science and electrical engineering.
• Runner Up – Medium Team: Fall risk predictor and Avasure suitability model, sponsored by Lakeland Regional Health. Team members: Hailey Bauer, Daniel Drysdale Josephine Johnson, Melanie Najera, Kelly Resetar, Nolan Ross, and Ryan Skornia. Majors: applied mathematics, business analytics, computer science and data science.
• First Place – Small Team: Gamification of activities in healthcare settings, sponsored by Lakeland Regional Health. Team members: Samantha Bentley, Ariel Concepcion, Daniel Dewar, Bassil Ghareeb, Jarrett Lane and Joseph Underwood. Majors: computer science.
• Runner Up – Medium Team: MicroTransit app, sponsored by Citrus Connection. Team members: Colby Rountree, Daniel Hamilton and Jordan Alcira. Majors: computer science and computer engineering.

Contact:
Lydia Guzmán
Director of Communications
863-874-8557

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Settle joins �Թ��� Poly after a long and successful coaching career at Lake Wales High School, where he spent 20 years coaching multiple sports and served as head softball coach for the last 11 years, building a record of 186-106.

“It is a fantastic opportunity to build a program from the ground up,” Settle said. “I’m lucky to be able to get up every day and do something that I love, coaching.”

Recruiting student-athletes who can succeed both on the field and in the classroom is a top priority for Settle. At �Թ��� Poly, that means competing at a university exclusively dedicated to STEM education, balancing athletics with a rigorous curriculum.

“I want our players to graduate with a great degree and use softball to help them pay for it,” he said. “I love to win, but at the end of the day, if we can get these young ladies an opportunity to be successful in life, that’s what’s most important.”

Derek Lower, �Թ��� Poly’s athletic director, said Settle’s background, local ties and recruiting network make him a strong fit to lead the University’s first softball program.

“When I called Mike’s references, ‘local legend’ was one of the main themes I heard. You can’t talk about softball in Polk County and not mention his name,” Lower said. “He hit the ground running and already has a list of recruits and commits who are ready to come in August.”

�Թ��� Poly Softball is scheduled to begin competition next spring as part of the University’s new athletics program, which launches this fall with baseball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s soccer and men’s and women’s basketball.

Contact:
Lydia Guzmán
Director of Communications
863-874-8557

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“It is truly remarkable that we have grown from 25 inductees at the inaugural Order of the Engineer ceremony in 2022 to 142 inductees this year,” said Dr. Sanna Siddiqui, an associate professor of mechanical engineering at �Թ��� Poly. “We are very proud of our engineering graduates as they begin their professional careers.”

During the ceremony, inductees accepted the Obligation of an Engineer, receiving a stainless steel ring to be worn on the little finger of their working hand. This pledge commits them to serve humanity, practice integrity, uphold public safety and welfare, maintain professional dignity and provide their skills and knowledge for the public good when needed.

“The ring you receive today is not only a symbol of your degree, but also a constant reminder of your duty to society and to the engineering profession,” said Dr. Devin Stephenson, the University’s president. “This ceremony marks your transition from student to professional, guided by integrity and a deep sense of purpose. Engineers solve problems, but great engineers do more: they think creatively, act responsibly, and innovate with the future in mind.”

For students like Sahil Talwalkar, a mechanical engineering senior, the induction is personal.

“I’ve wanted to do good things ever since I became interested in mechanical engineering,” he said. “Joining the Order of the Engineer helps me reflect on that and be part of something that matches my values.”

The induction serves as a final milestone before �Թ��� Poly’s May 9 commencement, featuring a keynote address by world-renowned astronaut Dr. Koichi Wakata.

“I’ve worked really hard for this, so I’m excited to have my degree and start my next steps,” said Lillian Wright, a senior majoring in electrical engineering. “I feel like I finally made it.”

Contact:
Lydia Guzmán
Director of Communications
863-874-8557

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Dr. Yudi Wu, assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering, has received a $300,000 grant from the �Թ��� Department of Environmental Protection to develop and test an innovative process to improve water conditions and reduce algae growth at the City of Lakeland’s Se7en Wetlands park.

The underlying cause of the blooms is eutrophication, a condition in which water becomes overloaded with nutrients. At Se7en Wetlands, excess nitrogen and phosphorus act as catalysts for rapid algae growth, disrupting ecosystems and degrading water quality. Wu is leading a two-year project in collaboration with �Թ��� A&M University and Se7en Wetlands to remove these unwanted nutrients.

The solution centers on a biochar-based system. Wu’s team will deploy floating columns made of biochar, a sustainable charcoal-like material engineered to absorb and safely release the nitrogen and phosphorus. This method is designed to prevent their buildup and help restore ecological balance.

“Eutrophication has been troublesome in �Թ��� for a very long time, and the government has put a lot of effort into solving the problem, with FDEP trying different innovative methods,” Wu said. “We are honored to join the many people working on this issue, especially because Se7en Wetlands and so many others face this problem.”

Se7en Wetlands was built at the site of a former phosphate mine. It filters millions of gallons of treated wastewater each day while providing a habitat for a variety of �Թ��� wildlife. Wu said the wetlands’ history means there is more phosphorus than nitrogen to remove.

The new process involves three- to five-foot columns attached to the bottom of a floating device. Each is filled with limestone and a biochar composite material that absorbs phosphate and allows the formation and release of nitrogen gas, reducing their levels in the water. Extensive water quality analysis will follow.

Wu said one of the most meaningful aspects of the project is the opportunity it provides students to gain hands-on experience tackling a real-world challenge with direct community impact.

“When they look back, I want them to see that this was helpful in boosting their career or professional development,” she said. “I feel proud to see them grow from these research projects and become professionals in this field.”

Two undergraduate students currently work with Wu, including Atticus Blake, a freshman majoring in civil engineering.

“The wetlands are such an interesting ecosystem to work with, so I was really interested in doing research in that field,” said Blake, who worked in a university science department during gap years between high school and enrollment at �Թ��� Poly. “I understand it’s unusual to be in this position as a freshman, so I’m excited to be part of Dr. Wu’s work throughout my undergrad years. I want to build a strong bond and understanding of her research and related areas.”

Contact:
Lydia Guzmán
Director of Communications
863-874-8557

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For James Young ’26, a love of math and curiosity about how systems work opened the door to an unexpected passion for cybersecurity. That discovery led to leadership roles, competitive success, and a clear path into the field after he graduates from �Թ��� with a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics on May 9.

As president of the Cybersecurity Club, Young led the team to earn spots in regional competitions for two straight years. “The club is like my baby. I got into it and found that it is such a massive, expanding world with an always-changing landscape. I’ve met some of my closest friends in the group and being able to pass on my knowledge feels really fulfilling,” he said.

During his time at �Թ��� Poly, Young has served as president and vice president of the Cybersecurity Club, president of the Rock Climbing Club, secretary of Nerf-Tech, and vice chair of the IEEE Computer Science Society.

Where did you complete your internship(s) and what did you gain from the experience?

I had an internship under the National Science Foundation’s REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) program and did research at UCF. I worked in applied linear algebra and used techniques I learned in class to solve real problems. We were given a set of equations and asked to use linear algebra to solve them more efficiently. We ended up making it faster, and it was really cool to see how we can apply mathematics and use it in the real world.

What was your favorite course and why?

Ethical Hacking with Dr. Arijet Sarker. I loved it because we were assigned a final project around the fourth week of class that we had to finish by late April. We had to find a real system, get permission to hack into it, and hack into it. If you found a vulnerability – if you could actually hack into it – you got extra credit on your project. My group did gain access to a system and found a vulnerability.

How well do you feel �Թ��� Poly prepared you for life after graduation?

Very prepared. One of the most important things I have picked up during my time at �Թ��� Poly is strong soft skills. Through leading the Cybersecurity Club and presenting projects in classes and even to the club, I’ve developed confidence in communication and leadership. I feel very well prepared in my ability to succeed in interviews and confident in my technical knowledge. I believe I have a strong foundation in both mathematics and computer science that gives me an advantage.

What was your greatest accomplishment at �Թ��� Poly?

That was competing in the NSA Codebreaker Challenge, a massive national competition for undergraduate and graduate students. They set up a controlled scenario with cybersecurity threats and forensic threats. You might discover issues like malware and figure out that it connects to some cryptocurrency laundering scheme. It shows you what it’s like to work for the real NSA. The competition was from September to January, and I was one of 81 student solvers nationwide. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done in cybersecurity.

What advice do you have for an incoming student?

You are going to graduate with many other students in your major, and just having your degree won’t set you apart. Your GPA might be a little bit higher and help with your first job, but you need to find a way to stand out with employers. Get involved in extracurriculars and take on leadership positions. That will differentiate you and strengthen your resume.

Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of Q&As featuring �Թ��� Poly Class of 2026 graduates.

Contact:
Lydia Guzmán
Director of Communications
863-874-8557

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Bylander joins �Թ��� Poly after 11 years at �Թ��� Southern College in Lakeland, including eight seasons as head coach of the women’s cross country and track programs. She brings deep local knowledge, strong recruiting relationships, and a track record of building successful teams in the region.

“I’m leaving a very successful program at �Թ��� Southern, where we’re on a streak of setting school records, and I wouldn’t leave that if I didn’t completely believe in where this program can go,” Bylander said.

Bylander has a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Adams State University, where she was a 10-time All-American student-athlete in cross country and track. She said the opportunity to help shape a new program is especially meaningful.

“As new coaches, we each can create the program we’ve always envisioned we might have one day,” she said. “I already have a bit of a recruiting pipeline, and everybody’s really excited when we tell them about what we’re doing here.”

�Թ��� Poly officials said Bylander’s experience will be instrumental in building a strong foundation for the program from day one.

“We’re super enthusiastic about Stephanie being here as one of our first coaches,” said Derek Lower, �Թ��� Poly’s athletic director. “She brings an incredible level of expertise and knowledge, secured our first commitment, and has connected really well with our current students and incoming recruits.”

�Թ��� Poly’s cross-country teams will launch this fall alongside new programs in baseball, softball and men’s and women’s soccer and basketball.

“Our new athletes are going to be pioneers for us, and they’re really excited about the affordability and opportunity of being able to have high-quality STEM academics and still do athletics,” Bylander said. “They now have a chance that didn’t really exist before, allowing them to study engineering without giving up running.”

Visit the Instagram page for more information.

Contact:
Lydia Guzmán
Director of Communications
863-874-8557

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