Inspiring Ocean Conservation with Hands‑On Research, Education, & Media

Inspiring Ocean Conservation with Hands‑On Research, Education, & Media – Ep871

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Featuring Interview Guest, Marine Biologist, Explorer, Conservation Leader, and CEO and Chief Scientist of Ocean First Institute, Dr. Mikki McComb-Kobza; and Performance Guest, Bermudian Singer-Songwriter, Mishka Frith

Interview Guest: DR. MIKKI MCCOMB-KOBZA; and Performance Guest: MISHKA FRITH

LISTEN LIVE at 7 PM PT, Monday, December 8, 2025 HERE

DR. MIKKI MCCOMB-KOBZA

Dr. Mikki McComb-Kobza is passionate about unlocking the mysteries of the ocean. A marine
biologist, explorer, and conservation leader, she is dedicated to advancing shark research and
ocean education worldwide. As CEO and Chief Scientist of Ocean First Institute, a non-profit
organization devoted to marine research, conservation, and education, she has helped reach over
half a million people through nationally acclaimed conservation initiatives and innovative educational programs.

Through research, advocacy, and education, Dr. McComb-Kobza works to protect our planet’s
most vital ecosystems for future generations. Her scientific focus centers on the biology,
behavior, abundance, and movement of sharks, employing emerging technologies to better
understand and conserve these keystone species. She has led or participated in more than 40
undersea expeditions across the globe—from Darwin to Cape Town, Manaus to Hong Kong, and
along the Atlantic coast from Nova Scotia to Belize.

Her research has been featured by BBC, National Geographic, Discovery Channel’s Shark
Week, NPR, and CBC National Radio Canada. In 2025, she delivered a TEDxBoulder talk
titled “Fear to Fascination: The Truth About Sharks,” exploring how overcoming fear can lead
to connection, curiosity, and conservation.

Dr. McComb-Kobza serves on the faculty of the University of Colorado Boulder’s
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, is the immediate past President of the
American Elasmobranch Society, a member of the Women Divers Hall of Fame, and a
National Fellow of The Explorers Club.

She holds a Ph.D. in Integrative Biology from Florida Atlantic University and is the author of
numerous scientific publications. Mikki lives in Colorado with her husband, wildlife biologist
Mac Kobza, their son Nick, and their Labrador retriever, Cooper.

Find, Follow, and Feel Into Dr. Mikki McComb-Kobza’s Offerings, including Ocean First Institute at:

https://linktr.ee/oceanfirstinstitute