Mikki McComb-Kobza, Ph.D.

Class of:  2024

Mikki transformed her childhood fascination with sharks into a lifelong career of shark conservation and advocacy. The environmental changes witnessed as a diver over 40 years became inspiration to train new divers as lifelong ocean supporters. Her doctoral work authoritatively described how the hammerhead shark visualizes its world. Today, Mikki uses innovative techniques and citizen science to increase understanding of white shark behavior and distribution. She has promoted hope and action to over 500,000 people as Executive Director of Ocean First Institute. Mikki has spread her message through National Geographic, Shark Week, NPR, and CBC National Radio Canada. She serves as adjunct faculty at CU Boulder, President of the American Elasmobranch Society, and National Fellow of the Explorers Club.