This paper describes the design and development of an intelligent interface for use at a dolphin cognition and communication laboratory. The interface, Delphi, allows researchers easier access to their database of experimental results. Delphi is made up of several components, including; a natural language parser; a spelling checker/corrector, a component which generates cooperative responses; and a user modeling component. Together these features can behave as an intelligent assistant to the users of Delphi. The control strategy used to coordinate the components is crucial to operation. Two strategies are described here: a linear arrangement; and, a blackboard control structure. A related project is also described, whose goal is to perform real-time knowledge-based analysis of dolphin vocalizations. We conclude that an integration of components can provide researchers with tools to better enable them to perform their research.