Dr. Mikki McComb-Kobza
Dr. Mikki McComb-Kobza is a leading marine biologist, explorer, nonprofit leader, and speaker dedicated to transforming how people understand and connect with the ocean.
As CEO and Chief Scientist of Ocean First Institute, she leads innovative programs advancing marine research, education, and conservation. Under her leadership, the Institute has reached more than half a million people across 46 U.S. states and 35 countries through award-winning conservation initiatives and transformative educational outreach.
With more than two decades of experience, Dr. McComb-Kobza’s research focuses on the biology, behavior, and movement of sharks. She employs cutting-edge tools—including satellite tracking, environmental DNA (eDNA), and remote camera systems—to better understand and protect these critical species. She directs shark research from Ocean First Institute’s field lab in the Florida Keys, where her team studies local populations while training the next generation of marine scientists.
Her work has taken her across the globe, leading or participating in more than 40 scientific expeditions—from the Amazon River Basin to the South African coast, from the coral reefs of Belize to the waters off Nova Scotia. These experiences inform both her research and her ability to communicate science through compelling, real-world storytelling.
A dynamic and engaging speaker, Dr. McComb-Kobza is known for her ability to translate complex science into meaningful, memorable experiences for audiences. In her TEDx talk, she explores the journey from fear to fascination in shark conservation—challenging deeply ingrained perceptions and revealing how understanding sharks can reconnect us to the ocean and to ourselves.
Her work has been featured by National Geographic, the BBC, Discovery Channel’s Shark Week, NPR, and CBC Radio Canada.
Dr. McComb-Kobza serves as an Adjunct Faculty member in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Colorado Boulder and is the Immediate Past President of the American Elasmobranch Society. She is a National Fellow of The Explorers Club and a member of the Women Divers Hall of Fame.
In addition to her work in science and leadership, she leads private research expeditions around the world—offering rare, immersive experiences that connect participants directly with ocean science, exploration, and conservation.
Dr. McComb-Kobza earned her Ph.D. in Integrative Biology from Florida Atlantic University and is the author of numerous scientific publications. She is passionate about inspiring ocean stewardship through science, education, and storytelling.
For speaking engagements, events, or private expedition inquiries, please visit the Book Me page.