Explorer, Conservationist and Educator
Meet Mikki, a biologist with a relentless dedication to safeguarding endangered species and preserving the delicate balance of marine ecosystems for over 20 years.
With a specialization in applied conservation biology, Mikki’s research delves deep into the intricate world of sharks. Her work focuses on unraveling the mysteries of shark biology, behavior, abundance, and movement using cutting-edge technologies. Through innovative methodologies, Mikki strives to provide invaluable insights that support science-based strategic conservation initiatives with a multitude of stakeholders.
Having led and participated in over 40 undersea expeditions, Mikki’s journey has taken her across the globe. From the enchanting depths of Darwin in the Galápagos Islands to the vibrant waters of Cape Town, the Amazonian wonders of Manaus, and the bustling seas of Hong Kong, she has witnessed the diverse wonders of our oceanic world.
As the dedicated Executive Director of Ocean First Institute, a Boulder-based non-profit committed to marine research, conservation, and education, Mikki leads the charge in inspiring change. The Institute’s impact reaches far and wide, having touched the lives of thousands of local school students and over 400,000 students in 35 countries and 46 U.S. states.
Mikki’s work has garnered national and international recognition, with her research featured by esteemed organizations such as the BBC, National Geographic, Discovery Channel’s Shark Week, NPR, and CBC National Radio Canada. Her dedication to marine conservation extends beyond research, as she serves as faculty with CU Boulder’s Ecology and Evolutionary Biology department.
A Ph.D. graduate in Integrative Biology from Florida Atlantic University, Mikki’s expertise shines through her numerous scientific publications. She is a respected figure in the field, having served as the immediate past President of the American Elasmobranch Society and honored as a National Fellow of the Explorer’s Club.
Join Mikki on her quest to protect our oceans, advocate for endangered species, and inspire the next generation of conservationists. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the preservation of our precious marine ecosystems.
Learn more about Mikki’s work and efforts.
Publications
McComb-Kobza, D.M., Fotso Tagne, J., Madigan, D., Heuter, R.E., Newton, H., Franks, B. Fisher, C., McBride, B., and Hussey, N.E. 2021. Occurrence and intensity of seal claw marks indicate potentially high and aggressive white shark-pinniped interaction rates in Atlantic Canada. In Prep.
Zanella, I., Lopez-Garro, A., McComb-Kobza. D.M., Golfin-Duarte, G., Perez-Montero, M., and Morales, J. 2016. First record of young-of-year scalloped hammerhead shark, Sphyrna lewini (Carcharhiniformes: Sphyrnidae) from Isla Del Coco National Park, Costa Rica. International Journal of Tropical Biology, 64:201-204.
Abreu, J.S., Brinn, R.P., Gomes, L.C., McComb, D.M., Baldisserotto, B., Zaiden, S.F., Urbinati, E.C., and Marcon, J.L. 2014. Effect of beta 1,3 glucan in stress responses of the pencilfish (Nannostomus trifasciatus) during transport within the Rio Negro basin. Neotropical Ichthyology, 12:623-628.
Brown, C.L., Urbinati, E.C., Zhang, W., Brown, S.B., and D.M. McComb-Kobza. 2014. Maternal Thyroid and Glucocorticoid Hormone Interactions in Larval Fish Development, and Their Applications in Aquaculture. Review in Fisheries Science and Aquaculture. 22: 207-220.
Bernardo, B., Brinn, R.P., Brandão, F.R., Gomes, L.C., Abreu, J.S., McComb, D.M and J.L. Marcon. 2014. Ion flux of cardinal tetra, Paracheirodon axelrodi (Schultz) during transportation with tetracycline, tetracycline+salt or Amquel®. Journal of Applied Ichthyology. 30:86-92.
Bedore, C.N., McComb, D.M., Frank, T.F., Hueter, R.E. and Kajiura, S.M. 2013. Effects of temperature and anesthesia on visual temporal resolution in elasmobranch fishes. Abstract Integrative and Comparative Biology, 53 (Suppl. 1): E12
Bedore, C.B., Loew, E.R., Frank, T.M., Hueter, R.E., McComb, D.M. and Kajiura, S.M. 2013. A physiologic analysis of color vision in batoid elasmobranchs. Journal of Comparative Physiology.199:1129-1141.
Jordan, L.J., Mandleman, J., McComb, D.M., Fordham, S. Carlson, J. and T. Werner. 2013. Linking sensory biology and fisheries bycatch reduction in elasmobranch fishes: a review with new directions for research. Conservation Physiology. 1:1-20.
McComb, D.M., Frank, T.M., Horodysky, A.Z., Kajiura, S.M. 2013. Comparative visual function in predatory fishes from the Indian River Lagoon. Physiological and Biochemical Zoology. 86: 285-297.
Brinn, R.P., Marcon J.L, McComb, D.M., Gomes, L.C., Abreu, J. S., Baldisseroto, B. 2012. Stress responses of the endemic freshwater cururu stingray (Potamotrygon cf. histrix) during transportation in the Amazon region of the Rio Negro. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A. 162:139-145.
McComb, D.M., Frank, T.M., Hueter, R.E., Kajiura, S.M. 2010. Temporal resolution and spectral sensitivity of the visual system of three coastal shark species from different light environments. Physiological and Biochemical Zoology, 83:299-307 (with cover).
McComb, D.M., Tricas, T., Kajiura, S.M. 2009. Enhanced Visual Fields in Hammerhead Sharks. Journal of Experimental Biology, 212:4010-4018.
Gomez, L., Brinn, R., Marcon, J., Dantas, L., Brandao, F., Abreu, J., Lemos, P., McComb, D., Baldisserotto, B. 2008. The benefits of using probiotic Efinol-L during transportation of cardinal tetra, Paracheirodon axelrodi (Schultz) in Amazon. Aquaculture Research. 208:1-9.
Gomez, L., Brinn, R., Marcon, J., Araujo, L., Brandao, F., Abreu, J., McComb, D., Baldisserotto, B. 2008. Using Efinol-L during transportation of marbled hatchetfish, Carnegiella strigata (Gunther). Aquaculture Research. 39:1292-1298.
McComb, D.M., and S.M. Kajiura. 2008. Visual fields of four batoid fishes: a comparative study. Journal of Experimental Biology. 211:482-490.
Schwab, I.R. and McComb, D.M. 2007. Keeping a cool head. British Journal of Ophthalmology. 91:138 (with cover).
McComb, D.M., Gelsleichter, J., Manire, C.A., Brinn, R., and Brown, C.L. 2005. Comparative thyroid hormone concentration in maternal serum and yolk of the bonnethead shark (Sphyrna tiburo) from two sites along the coast of Florida. General and Comparative Endocrinology, 144:167-173 (with cover).
Mikki McComb-Kobza, Ph.D.
- Executive Director, Ocean First Institute
- Explorers Club National Fellow
- Adjunct Professor, CU Boulder Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
- Past-President, American Elasmobranch Society
- Women Diver’s Hall of Fame (2024)
- Advisor to: Colossal Biosciences, Edelman Fossil Park, The Green Institute