Dr. Jason Bruck Named New Director for Research and Education at Marineland Florida

Marineland, FL – Marine mammal scientist and Associate Professor of Biology Dr. Jason Bruck has been named the next Director of Research and Education for Marineland, signaling a renewed emphasis at the historic facility on science, education, and conservation. Bruck is currently a faculty member at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX, where he helped develop a new Aquatic Biology concentration and runs the Bruck Lab, which has graduated numerous science professionals at both the graduate and undergraduate levels.

Bruck is well known for his research on dolphin communication and cognition showing that dolphins have memory for each other’s signature whistles/dolphin names for over two decades. Currently his lab is focused on next-generation drone development as his partnerships with Dolphin Quest and Oklahoma State University's Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education have led to the development of P.H.A.S.M. the first drone capable of blow collection from dolphins and porpoises for use in wild animal health assessments.

"This is a very exciting time both for Marineland and for marine mammal science in the region," says Bruck. "As a scientist who has continued some of the work of previous Directors of Research for Marineland, I am keenly aware of the honor and responsibility this title carries."

Bruck's academic appointments will allow new opportunities for university collaborations with Marineland, both in Florida as well as in Texas at Bruck's home university. "This will bring students closer than ever to marine life allowing for greater outreach in research and education," said Kelly Fischbach, Marineland's Zoological Director. As a former K-12 educator, Bruck is also excited about the opportunities to reach younger students, as he and his graduate students will be conducting the 2026 S.E.A. camps as well as T.E.E.N. camps giving students ages 7-17 unprecedented access to researchers as they learn about the ways scientists study the sea. 

About Marineland Dolphin Adventure:

Marineland, founded in 1938, is the world’s first oceanarium and a historic center for marine animal care, research, and education. Known as the birthplace of dolphin research and a pioneer in public marine life exhibition, Marineland has played a critical role in advancing marine science and inspiring ocean conservation. Today, Marineland continues its legacy by supporting scientific discovery, animal welfare, and educational experiences that connect people with the marine environment.