Need to report the location of an endangered species? There’s an app for that.

As part of her studies at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Mary–Lee Barboza was part of a team that developed a mobile phone application that lets users note the location of the Maui’s dolphin.

The animal, found off the shores of New Zealand, is the world’s rarest and smallest subspecies of dolphin.

Barboza, a Rochester resident, was part of a four-member team tasked with figuring out how to raise public awareness on the importance of reporting the location of the dolphins.

“We really thought it was going to be about making a mobile phone application, but that was a really small part of the project,” she said.

The hands-on research project had the team analyzing old posters and brochures published by New Zealand’s Department of Conservation, Marine Species and Threats Team.

Barboza and her team members were part of Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s “Interactive Qualifying Project,” which aims to use research to connect science or technology with social issues.

Barboza’s team tackled the problem of how to get more people interested in reporting dolphins sightings that provides the Department of Conservation with valuable information.

Following their research, the team came up with the phrase “Rounded fin? Send it in!” to put on bumper stickers and posters. The slogan refers to the signature rounded dorsal fin of the Maui’s dolphin.

“With so few dolphins, its hard for department officials to see them in the wild. They rely on reports from fishermen, surfers and the public,” she said.

Barboza, a junior who majors in biology and biotechnology, wants to pursue a career as a veterinarian. After graduation she plans to apply to veterinarian schools.

The Old Rochester Regional High School alumna says working with animals, whether it's the Maui’s dolphin or something less exotic, like someone’s pet dog, is something she’s always wanted to do.

“I’ve found in veterinary medicine it’s not just about the animal, it’s about the people who care for their pets,” she said.