Alumni
Mikki McComb-Kobza is an alumna of Dr. Kajiura’s lab. From 2005-2008, Mikki researched why hammerheads have their unique head shape by testing their visual and electrosensory capabilities. She is currently working as an applied conservation biologist, with over 20 years of experience researching endangered species and advancing marine ecosystem restoration. However, her primary research focuses on the biology, behavior, abundance, and movement of sharks by using novel methodologies. Mikki uses a multiple-stakeholder strategy to advance science-based conservation initiatives across disciplines. She has led and participated in 40 marine research expeditions, including the regions of Darwin, Cape Town, Manaus, Hong Kong, Nova Scotia, Belize, and the eastern coast of the United States. She is the co-founder and Executive Director of Ocean First Institute, a Boulder-based nonprofit dedicated to marine research, conservation, and education. The Institute has reached thousands of students in local Front Range schools, as well as 170,000 students in 35 countries and 46 US states. The Institute has received national recognition for establishing high-profile conservation projects and providing compelling educational programming. Mikki’s research has been broadcast by the BBC, National Geographic Society, Discovery Channel Shark Week, and CBC National Radio Canada. She is an adjunct faculty member with CU Boulder Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, the President-Elect of the American Elasmobranch Society, and a National Fellow of The Explorer’s Club. When Mikki is not conducting research, she enjoys photography.
