SARASOTA, Fla. (September 2025) — Dr. Athena Rycyk, Associate Professor in New College of Florida’s Marine Mammal Science program, has received a federal Sea Grant award of more than $330,000 to lead innovative research on marine species in the Gulf of America.
The project, titled “The Development of a Cost-Effective and Scalable Protected Species Monitoring Plan for the Velella Epsilon and Future Finfish Aquaculture Projects in the Gulf of America,” will provide critical insights into how dolphins and other marine wildlife use offshore habitats in connection with the first offshore finfish net-pen project of its kind in the Gulf.
Conducted in collaboration with NOAA Fisheries and Ocean Era, Inc., the research will develop a scalable monitoring plan for marine species including bottlenose and Atlantic spotted dolphins before, during, and after the year-long deployment of the Velella Epsilon project, located approximately 45 miles southwest of Sarasota.
“This project will support graduate student research on offshore dolphin species,” said Dr. Rycyk. “Their work will expand our understanding of these understudied populations, especially in the context of developing offshore activities. Dolphins are a vital part of the Gulf ecosystem, and this project will help us better understand how they use offshore habitats alongside emerging aquaculture efforts.”
In addition to advancing marine mammal science, the project will provide hands-on thesis opportunities for graduate students in New College’s Marine Mammal Science master’s program. Students will gain experience in study design, survey techniques, and behavioral response analysis, strengthening their training as emerging scientists.
“By engaging directly with protected species research, students are gaining the scientific foundation needed to become leaders in marine conservation,” Dr. Rycyk added. “Because this is the first offshore net-pen project of its kind in the Gulf, the data we collect will be foundational for both marine mammal science and aquaculture planning moving forward.”
This award underscores New College’s growing national role in marine mammal and conservation science, while ensuring that graduate students are at the forefront of pioneering, applied research.
“This groundbreaking project builds on New College’s proud legacy as a leader in marine mammal research,” said New College of Florida President Richard Corcoran. “Dr. Rycyk’s work not only advances scientific understanding of our Gulf waters but also provides our students with unmatched opportunities to engage in research that has both regional and global impact. It is this combination of innovation and hands-on learning that continues to distinguish New College as Florida’s Honors College.”
About the Marine Mammal Science Program at New College of Florida
The Marine Mammal Science master’s program at New College of Florida is one of the nation’s only graduate programs dedicated to the study of marine mammals. Based on the Gulf Coast, the program provides students with immersive, field-based research opportunities, advanced coursework in ecology and conservation, and close mentorship from faculty experts. Graduates go on to careers in research, wildlife management, conservation policy, and higher education, contributing to the stewardship of marine ecosystems worldwide.
SARASOTA, FL, UNITED STATES, August 14, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ — New College of Florida’s Marine Mammal Science program is at the forefront of a pioneering neuroscience discovery. In a study published in PLOS One—Lateralized Cerebellar Connectivity Differentiates Auditory Pathways in Echolocating and Non-Echolocating Whales—Marine Mammal Science student Sophie Flem, alongside Associate Professor Peter Cook, collaborated with researchers from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, UC Berkeley, and Oxford University to map brain pathways for hearing in different whale species.
This study was the first to use brain network imaging to directly compare auditory brain organization between echolocating (such as dolphins) and non-echolocating whales (like sei whales). The study showed that the strongest difference between these species was in the strength of connection between auditory and cerebellar brain regions, which were much denser in the echolocating dolphins. The cerebellum is a brain region specialized for rapid combination of sensory and motor signals to allow for rapid, time-pressured movement based on prediction. In other words, the dolphins may be using echolocation to build up a type of educated guess of where their fish prey are going, so they can get there ahead of time to intercept them. Many scientists have theorized that enhanced auditory processing has contributed to the evolution of dolphins’ and baleen whales’ uniquely big brains – by far the largest on the planet.
“Our research sought to understand how the pathways for auditory information differed between echolocating and non-echolocating whales,” said Sophie Flem, lead author and inaugural Marine Mammal Science Master’s student at New College. “In humans, primates, rodents, and dogs, we have well established maps of what parts of the brain contribute to what kind of processing. We don’t yet have those in dolphin brains, which are strikingly unusual compared to terrestrial animal brains.”
This research highlights New College’s growing reputation in cutting-edge marine science. The Marine Mammal Science Master’s program offers exceptional, hands-on opportunities for graduate students to lead original research in marine mammal science and conservation.
Sophie Flem and Dr. Peter Cook acknowledge the invaluable partnership with institutions such as Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, UC Berkeley, and Oxford University. Read more about the collaboration – X-MOLPhys.org
About New College of Florida
Founded in 1960, New College of Florida is a top-ranked public liberal arts college and serves as Florida’s Honors College. Recognized for its academic excellence, rigorous inquiry, and commitment to free expression, New College offers more than 50 undergraduate majors, graduate programs in Applied Data Science and Marine Mammal Science, and a growing NAIA athletics program.
Photo Caption: Study co-authors Andrew Rouse (UC Santa Cruz), Dr. Peter Cook (New College of Florida), and graduate student Carson Hood with California sea lion Ronan. Photo credit: Colleen Reichmuth. NMFS 23554
SARASOTA, FL — Sarasota’s New College of Florida continues to shape the future of marine mammal science with the release of a groundbreaking study led by comparative neuroscientist Dr. Peter Cook and Master’s student Carson Hood. Published in Scientific Reports—the fifth most-cited journal in the world—the peer-reviewed article demonstrates that a trained California sea lion named Ronan can match—and even outperform—humans in keeping a musical beat.
The study, titled “Sensorimotor synchronization to rhythm in an experienced sea lion rivals that of humans,” was co-authored by Cook, Hood, Andrew Rouse of UC Santa Cruz, and Colleen Reichmuth who runs the UCSC pinniped lab where Ronan lives. It highlights Ronan’s extraordinary precision in rhythm synchronization, with timing variability as small as five to ten milliseconds—roughly the duration of a tenth of an eyeblink.
“She is incredibly precise,” said Dr. Cook, who leads the Comparative Cognition Lab at New College. “Ronan continues to challenge what we know about how non-human animals perceive rhythm and pattern. She’s hitting the rhythmic bullseye again and again—and doing so as consistently as, or better than, humans.”
The implications of the research extend far beyond entertainment. The study contributes to the emerging field of biomusicality, which explores how species perceive music-like qualities such as rhythm and beat. This work raises critical questions about the evolution of cognition, the universality of rhythm recognition, and the shared brain mechanisms that underlie musicality, cognition, and consciousness across species.
For Carson Hood, a student in the inaugural class of New College’s Master’s in Marine Mammal Science, this marks the program’s first published student paper.
“As a graduate student here, I get to explore the questions I care most about—alongside professors who are approachable, experienced, and deeply dedicated to this field,” said Hood. “What makes this study so meaningful is that by learning how animals like Ronan process rhythm, we begin to uncover the deeper patterns that connect species—and ultimately, how our brains make sense of the world.”
New College’s interdisciplinary Marine Mammal Science MS program is the only one of its kind in the U.S. With Sarasota Bay at its doorstep, and faculty like Dr. Cook leading the way, the college is fast becoming one of the top destinations for students interested in marine mammal science.
“This is exactly what New College is built for,” said Dr. Cook. “Curious students. Big questions. Deep research and science.”
The study has already attracted national and international media attention, including coverage from The New York Times, Popular Science, BBC, and the San Francisco Chronicle.
The full article is available via Scientific Reports.
Listen to the New College podcast episode discussing the study
About New College of Florida
Founded in 1960, New College of Florida is a top-ranked public liberal arts college and serves as Florida’s Honors College. Recognized for its academic excellence, rigorous inquiry, and commitment to free expression, New College offers more than 50 undergraduate majors, graduate programs in Applied Data Science and Marine Mammal Science, and a growing NAIA athletics program.
SARASOTA , FL, UNITED STATES, April 18, 2025 — New College of Florida (NCF) and South Florida State College (SFSC) have signed a new articulation agreement, officially welcoming SFSC as the latest partner in the NCF Transform Guaranteed Admission Program (GAP). The agreement, signed Monday, April 14, ensures a seamless transfer pathway for SFSC students earning an Associate in Arts (AA) degree to complete a Bachelor of Arts degree at New College. This strategic partnership opens new doors for SFSC students seeking a top-tier liberal arts education within Florida’s public higher education system.
“We are excited to partner with New College and afford our students an efficient pathway to pursue a bachelor’s degree of their choice,” said Fred Hawkins, president of South Florida State College. “This agreement represents our shared commitment to student success and expanding access to world-class education across the state.”
“New College is ranked among the most transfer-friendly institutions in the country, and we’re proud to extend that reputation with this partnership,” said Richard Corcoran, president of New College of Florida. “SFSC students now have a direct line to Florida’s public honors college—and the opportunity to thrive in a dynamic, intellectually rigorous environment.”
To qualify for NCF Transform, SFSC students must complete their AA within eight semesters and hold a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 at the time of transfer. Students can pursue bachelor’s degrees in a variety of academic concentrations including Biology, Chemistry, Economics, Liberal Arts, Marine Biology, and Psychology.
Through NCF Transform, students receive personalized joint advising and customized academic planning to help them complete their degrees within two years of transfer. Participants in the program are also eligible for generous scholarship opportunities—including annual awards of up to $10,000, renewable for two years—for high-achieving students.
The partnership underscores New College’s commitment to academic excellence and broadening access to Florida’s most distinctive liberal arts experience.
For more information about the Associate in Arts degree at SFSC, visit southflorida.edu or email [email protected].
Learn more about NCF Transform at ncf.edu/transfer.
ABOUT NEW COLLEGE OF FLORIDA
Founded in 1960, New College of Florida is a top-ranked public liberal arts college and serves as Florida’s Honors College. Recognized for its academic excellence, rigorous inquiry, and commitment to free expression, New College offers more than 50 undergraduate majors, graduate programs in Applied Data Science and Marine Mammal Science, and a growing NAIA athletics program.
ABOUT SOUTH FLORIDA STATE COLLEGE
South Florida State College (SFSC) is a comprehensive, open-access, higher education institution dedicated to providing a student-centered environment focused on learning and personal enrichment through quality programs and services. At its campuses in DeSoto, Hardee, and Highlands counties and through its online presence, the College offers certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees that lead to the continued success of its graduates and a variety of opportunities for the educational, cultural, and economic advancement of the service district. SFSC is one of the 28 institutions of the Florida College System.
SARASOTA, FL, UNITED STATES, April 8, 2025 — On Saturday, April 5, the New College of Florida campus came alive with the sound of ideas in motion. As host of the 2025 Florida Civics and Debate Initiative (FCDI) State Championship, New College welcomed more than 800 students, educators, and families for a powerful day of discourse, debate, and civic engagement.
The event was more than a debate championship—it was a gathering of critical thinkers engaged in civil dialogue and the exchange of ideas, reflecting the New College spirit of leadership. Students from across Florida gathered to discuss ideas, challenge assumptions, and strengthen the skills that will prepare them to govern America and change the world.
“To hear these young minds grapple with real-world issues, and to see the depth of thought and respect they bring to the table—that’s exactly the spirit we stand for at New College,” said President Richard Corcoran. “This is a campus built for meaningful conversation and fearless inquiry, and hosting the FCDI Championship was a true honor.”
Throughout the day, students debated some of the most pressing public policy questions of our time—on privacy, governance, education, and free speech—with clarity, poise, and passion. These young scholars brought not just facts, but perspective—and did so with the respect and humility that define true leadership.
“The Florida Civics and Debate Initiative is an incredible opportunity for students to participate in civil discourse and learn about civic engagement,” said Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. “I am proud of every student that participated in this year’s championship and I want to thank New College of Florida for hosting this event.”
New College reaffirmed its role as Florida’s Public Honors College and as a national model for academic rigor, free expression, and community-centered education. The day concluded with an exciting Bayfront awards ceremony—a powerful reminder of what happens when brilliant young minds come together in the spirit of civil discourse and friendly competition.
“Many of the students who came to campus this weekend will go on to lead in law, business, education, public service, science, the arts, and beyond,” said President Corcoran. “To host them here, in a space where bold thinking is not just allowed but encouraged, is a privilege—and a glimpse into the future.”
As a liberal arts institution committed to cultivating leaders who are intellectually curious, ethically grounded, and socially engaged, New College continues to serve as a home for students who challenge the status quo and move the earth.
About New College of Florida
Founded in 1960, New College of Florida is a top-ranked public liberal arts college and serves as Florida’s Honors College. Recognized for its academic excellence, rigorous inquiry, and commitment to free expression, New College offers more than 50 undergraduate majors, graduate programs in Applied Data Science and Marine Mammal Science, and a growing NAIA athletics program.
About the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative
The Florida Civics and Debate Initiative is dedicated to expanding access to civics and debate education, empowering students with the tools of critical thinking, civil discourse, and civic responsibility across the state of Florida.
SARASOTA, FL, UNITED STATES, March 20, 2025 — New College of Florida today hosted its fifth event in its 2025 Socratic Stage Dialogue Series, “Borders, National Sovereignty, Rule of Law: What’s Next for U.S. Immigration Policy?” It featured Governor Ron DeSantis, Border Czar Tom Homan, and former Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf. The event took place in the Mildred Sainer Pavilion on New College’s campus in Sarasota.
On the heels of the worst border crisis in U.S. history, enforcement of immigration law and securing U.S. borders is at the forefront of today’s public policy debate. During today’s event, New College President Richard Corcoran moderated a discussion between the distinguished guest speakers that touched on the importance of border security and holding those who break our laws accountable and assessed where immigration policy has gone wrong and what can be done to put things right.
“New College has once again hosted a successful Socratic Stage event promoting civil discourse on one of today’s most pressing and controversial topics,” said President Corcoran. “We are committed to being a place where open dialogue is encouraged and important conversations are had, even when they are challenging. Through these open, honest and respectful discussions, New College is fostering intellectual inquiry and debate and encouraging free speech.”
The Socratic Stage at New College is a premier national forum dedicated to intellectual debate, free speech, and civil discourse. With the Socratic Stage, New College seeks to advance civil discourse and engagement by facilitating events that foster open discussion and debate on relevant public policy issues. Such debates or group forums provide opportunity for a wide range of viewpoints and perspectives to be presented. The events are open to the public and include speakers from within and without the state university community that hold broadly divergent and opposing perspectives.
For future events, more details and video access, visit NCF.edu/SocraticStage.
About New College of Florida
Founded in 1960, New College of Florida is a top-ranked public liberal arts college and serves as Florida’s Honors College. Recognized for its academic excellence, rigorous inquiry, and commitment to free expression, New College offers more than 50 undergraduate majors, graduate programs in Applied Data Science and Marine Mammal Science, and a growing NAIA athletics program.
Russell Brand, Tom Homan, Alan Dershowitz, Dr. Judith Butler & more take New College’s stage to discuss today’s most complex and pressing issues.
SARASOTA, FL, UNITED STATES, February 14, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ — New College of Florida, ranked the No. 1 Public Liberal Arts College by Washington Monthly (2024), proudly presents the 2025 Socratic Stage Dialogue Series, a premier national forum dedicated to intellectual debate, free speech, and civil discourse.
The Spring 2025 speaker series will feature an extraordinary lineup of influential scholars, authors, policy experts, and thought leaders addressing topics from media and medicine to law, immigration, and the future of higher education. Key speakers include Russell Brand, Tom Homan, Alan Dershowitz, Dr. Judith Butler, Dr. Scott W. Atlas, Chad Wolf, Steven Donziger, Dr. Stanley Fish, Mollie Hemingway and other highly anticipated speakers who will tackle the most pressing issues of our time.
“At a time when open dialogue is under threat, the Socratic Stage at New College is where real conversations happen,” said New College President Richard Corcoran. “We believe that the only way to move society forward is through open, honest, and often challenging discussions. New College is committed to fostering intellectual courage, fearless inquiry, and civil discourse and bringing the most interesting and important conversations to the mainstage.”
2025 Socratic Stage Series
New College will host eight major events in Spring 2025, held on campus at Sainer Auditorium, unless otherwise noted. Select discussions will be livestreamed on YouTube and X (formerly Twitter), and ticketing will be available at NCF.edu/SocraticStage.
A Conversation on Gender: Culture and Academia | Dr. Judith Butler & Dr. Stanley Fish | February 18
A Conversation on the Value of Liberal Arts Education Today | Dr. Joshua T. Katz, Tom Steiner & Dr. David Rancourt | February 25
Defeat, Hope, and the Creation of the Hebrew Bible | Dr. Jacob L. Wright | March 6
The Politics of Medicine: Who Controls the Future of Medical Education? | Dr. Scott W. Atlas & Dr. Stanley Goldfarb | March 8
Borders, National Sovereignty, Rule of Law: What’s Next for U.S. Immigration Policy? | Tom Homan & Chad Wolf | March 20
Thinking without Permission: A Conversation with Russell Brand on Free Speech, Censorship, and Cultural Power | Russell Brand & Mark Famiglio, Chairman, Sarasota Film Festival | Date and Location to be announced!
Truth, Bias, and Power: How the Transformation of America’s Media is Reshaping Society | Dr. Scott W. Atlas, Ben Domenech & Mollie Hemingway | May 6
Justice or Politics? The Weaponization of Law in Modern America | Alan Dershowitz & Steven Donziger | May 22
Also announced this week, Alan Dershowitz, one of the most prominent legal minds of our time, will serve as New College’s 2025 Commencement Speaker, underscoring the institution’s commitment to free inquiry and civil debate.
For more details, ticketing, and livestream access, visit NCF.edu/SocraticStage.
For more details on the 2025 Commencement Ceremony, event logistics, and media access, visit: NCF.edu/Commencement.
About New College of Florida
Founded in 1960, New College of Florida is a top-ranked public liberal arts college and serves as Florida’s Honors College. Recognized for its academic excellence, rigorous inquiry, and commitment to free expression, New College offers more than 50 undergraduate majors, graduate programs in Applied Data Science and Marine Mammal Science, and a growing NAIA athletics program.
Famed Legal Scholar to Address Graduates on Free Speech and the Rule of Law
SARASOTA, Fla. – New College of Florida is proud to announce that Alan Dershowitz, one of the nation’s most influential legal scholars and defenders of civil liberties, will deliver the 2025 Commencement Address at Florida’s Honors College in Sarasota.
Dershowitz, a constitutional lawyer, Harvard Law professor emeritus, and best-selling author, has played a pivotal role in some of the most significant legal debates of our time. His career spans more than 50 years on the Harvard Law faculty, the authorship of over 40 books on law, free speech, and constitutional rights, and decades of advocating for justice, due process, and the First Amendment.
“New College is a place for bold ideas and fearless debate,” said New College President Richard Corcoran. “We are thrilled to welcome Alan Dershowitz to Sarasota for our 2025 Commencement.”
The New College 2025 Commencement Ceremony will be a landmark event for Sarasota, taking place on May 23, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the scenic Bayfront Lawn of the Historic Ringling Mansion College Hall.
As one of Sarasota’s premier intellectual and cultural events, the New College Commencement draws students, faculty, families, and thought leaders from across Florida and beyond. The ceremony celebrates academic excellence while reinforcing New College’s commitment to free inquiry, rigorous scholarship, and the pursuit of truth.
Dershowitz’s speech marks a defining moment in a year dedicated to exploring free speech and the future of American democracy. As a nationally recognized advocate for civil liberties and legal scholarship, his address will challenge graduates to engage with complex ideas and participate in shaping the nation’s future.
With a growing reputation as a hub for academic and civil discourse, policy debate, and leadership development, New College continues to attract top-tier speakers and scholars, reinforcing its place among the most distinguished liberal arts institutions in the country.
In addition to delivering the 2025 Commencement Address, Dershowitz will also participate in the 2025 Socratic Stage Dialogue Series, a nationally recognized platform for free speech and civil discourse at New College. As part of the series, he will speak on May 22 in a highly anticipated discussion titled: “Justice or Politics? The Weaponization of Law in Modern America.”
For more information on the Socratic Stage Series, upcoming speakers, and livestream access, visit NCF.edu/SocraticStage.
For more details on the 2025 Commencement Ceremony, event logistics, and media access, visit: NCF.edu/Commencement.
About New College of Florida
Founded in 1960, New College of Florida is a top-ranked public liberal arts college and serves as Florida’s Honors College. Recognized for its academic excellence, rigorous inquiry, and commitment to free expression, New College offers more than 50 undergraduate majors, graduate programs in Applied Data Science and Marine Mammal Science, and a growing NAIA athletics program.
SARASOTA, Fla. — New College alumnus Joshua Ingram was named to SRQ Magazine’s latest “35 Under 35” list, a recognition of the most accomplished young professionals on Florida’s Gulf Coast. A 2024 graduate with a Master’s in Applied Data Science from New College of Florida, Ingram also previously earned a Bachelor’s in Statistics & Applied Mathematics from New College.
“The valuable academic environment at New College, characterized by narrative evaluations, independent study projects, and the senior thesis, prepared me for both a successful career and to further my education in a prestigious doctoral program,” said Ingram. “I am grateful for the support of my professors and the valuable training from the graduate program in data science, and I am excited to see how New College and its graduates will continue to build important relationships within the Sarasota community and play a vital role in strengthening it.”
“Joshua is not only an exceptional scholar, but also a passionate advocate for New College and the unique blend of the liberal arts and STEM education available here,” said New College President Richard Corcoran. “His success is emblematic of how New College prepares students for a lifetime of learning and adaptable career success, while becoming great citizens that will become leaders in our communities and for our nation.”
The primary focus of Ingram’s research is the crossover of astrophysics and statistics. He was selected as a recipient of the 2024 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship, and has opened his own consulting practice, OutlierOrbit LLC.
In 2022, Ingram was selected as a recipient of the Quad Fellowship by the Institute of International Education, one of the first students in the nation to earn this distinction. Only 100 fellowships were awarded from across the United States, Australia, India, and Japan.
Ingram grew up in Bradenton and graduated with Honors from Bradenton Christian School. He is currently working toward a Ph.D. in Statistics at Carnegie Mellon University.
The entire 35 Under 35 list and interviews with the recognized individuals are available online: https://www.srqmagazine.com/articles/2110/35-Under-35
Dr. Toby Wade is an investment, AI, and machine learning expert with over 20 years of experience across equities, cryptocurrencies, futures, and currencies. He has held pivotal roles in hedge funds, financial exchanges, and banking institutions, focusing on alpha research, portfolio management, risk assessment, and trading strategies. Dr. Wade is proficient in natural language processing (NLP), large language models (LLMs), generative AI, and machine learning applications tailored to financial market research. His insights have been featured in prominent publications such as the Financial Times, Institutional Investor, CNBC, and Yahoo Finance. Dr. Wade earned his Ph.D. in Statistics from the London School of Economics and Political Science and currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Data Science and Statistics at New College of Florida in Sarasota.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT?
New College of Florida offers a distinctive educational experience through its individualized curriculum, allowing students to design their own academic paths and engage in hands-on learning, fostering critical thinking and personal growth. As Florida’s public honors college, it provides an intimate learning environment with small class sizes and direct faculty engagement, preparing students for successful careers and meaningful contributions to society.
WHAT MAKES NEW COLLEGE OF
FLORIDA SO UNIQUE?
Small classes and being able to spend more time prioritizing my students.
What made you decide to teach at New College of Florida?
The unique way students get to learn here in a more intimate class setting and the focus on teaching.