Dive into Your Future with the Masters in Marine Mammal Science (MIMMS) program on Sarasota Bay!
About MIMMS
Florida is rich in marine mammals and the scientists who study them. As a MIMMS student, you will be part of an interdisciplinary program that collaborates with prestigious partners around marine mammal science. New College, housed on Sarasota Bay, home to the longest studied society of bottlenose dolphins in the world, brings together Florida’s marine mammal scientists to support student work and marine mammal welfare in our state. This program offers faculty expertise in marine mammal science through Professors Gordon Bauer (Emeritus), Peter Cook, Heidi Harley, and Athena Rycyk, as well as many partners.
Our formal partnerships include the Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, led by the “Jane Goodall” of dolphin research, Dr. Randy Wells, whose team has focused on the study of these animals for more than 50 years across six generations of dolphins, and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, providing access to both in- and ex-situ dolphins and manatees as well as the scientists who track Florida’s rehabilitated manatees after release. Through these and other collaborations, such as the Aquatic Animal Health Program in the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine and government agencies, our students are supported by additional mentors, animal access, longitudinal databases, and unique facilities.
Having a prestigious world-class program unique to Florida and the U.S. allows us to share resources, produce more and better informed science benefitting Florida’s remarkable marine mammals, and attract students such as yourself!
MIMMS MISSION: An interdisciplinary academic center providing research and graduate/undergraduate education of the highest quality in marine mammal science through the collaboration of experts and students dedicated to scientific excellence, marine mammal conservation, and outreach.
To support our mission, please visit here to donate to fund #0594, Marine Mammal Science.
Career Opportunities in Marine Mammal Science!
Students trained in this program will have multiple options for next steps after graduation. The skills required to study marine mammals in an interdisciplinary way, the focus of this program, are broadly applicable to advances in science, technology and medicine. The MIMMS degree program provides individuals with the post-baccalaureate training needed to pursue careers in research design and data analysis, comparative psychology, conservation biology, ecology, and marine mammal husbandry and training.
What Do Students & Alumni Say?
I chose this program because of the connections it has to offer. I fell in love with working with wild dolphins through an internship at the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, and it was a life-changing opportunity to be able to conduct my Master’s research alongside them. Dr. Heidi Harley was an incredible advisor, and I learned so much from her that I will carry with me throughout my career.
Next steps: I am continuing my education to earn a Ph.D. at Florida International University.
The professors at MiMMS were so caring and genuinely invested in their students’ success; you felt it from the first day. My favorite aspect of the program was how much they encouraged me to pursue what I actually found interesting. There was a real sense of freedom to follow my curiosity and dive deep into the questions that mattered most to me. Doing this within an interdisciplinary environment brought together incredible perspectives and experience, making it a truly special program.
What I loved most about the MIMMS program was the ability to take ownership of my education. I gained practical, hands-on experience across a variety of research projects, which allowed me to explore my diverse interests in marine mammals. With unwavering support and mentorship from a faculty truly invested in student success, I felt fully empowered to shape my career path
Next Steps: Following graduation, I am preparing my thesis for publication and continuing work on several ongoing projects.
I was drawn to this program because of the amazing professors, who come from diverse backgrounds and bring a range of perspectives to the field of marine mammal science. A research-based interdisciplinary approach was exactly what I was looking for, and it has made me into a better scientist. In addition, the MIMMS professors are world-renowned and highly respected in their respective fields. Drs. Rycyk, Harley, and Cook are not just amazing scholars, but they are also wonderful mentors who showed deep commitment to our success as students.
This is a rare program, led by a special convergence of esteemed marine mammal scientists. They each readily provide support, guidance, and expertise that cultivates high-quality research across several fields. MIMMS is built to develop and launch capable scientists toward the individualized research horizons they are chasing.
Next Steps: Currently a Laboratory Technician at Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
Meet Our…
Marine Mammal Science In the News
MIMMS Faculty & Staff
Gordon Bauer
Professor Emeritus
Peter Cook
Associate Professor of Marine Mammal Science and Psychology
Breanna DeGroot
Senior Laboratory Technician
Heidi Harley
Peg Scripps Buzzelli Chair/Director of Marine Mammal Science
Professor of Psychology
Athena Rycyk
Associate Professor, Marine Mammal Science and Biology
Nicole Van Der Berg
Assistant Director
Real-World Experience
Graduate students and their research are integrated into the Florida and Sarasota marine mammal communities, contributing data and findings concerning the state of Sarasota Bay and other Florida ecological systems and helping to determine potential management and research priorities. Ongoing monitoring and research help conserve our Bay and bring focus and funding to our area and the people and animals who make it home.
Study by the Seaside
Regularly ranked among the best places to live in the US, Sarasota is famous for its beautiful Gulf beaches, plethora of arts and cultural institutions, and year-round warm weather.
Fall 2026 Applications Now Available
Are you ready to take the next step and immerse yourself in the study of marine mammals? Start your application today!
Additional Information
Request More Info About MIMMS
Accreditation
New College of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degrees. New College of Florida also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of New College of Florida may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).