Meet Dr. Mikki McComb-Kobza | Marine Biologist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Mikki McComb-Kobza and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Mikki, how does your business help the community or world?
Our nonprofit organization is all about connecting people to nature. Our mission is ocean conservation through research and education. We educate and inspire people all over the world to understand what is happening to the ocean and the very simple things they can do to protect it. We rely on the ocean for our very lives, our oxygen, our food, our vitality. What we do to the ocean matters.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a scientist and nature lover. I am passionate about sharing my love of the ocean and why it is critically important that people understand the role the ocean plays in our everyday lives. I do this from Colorado, and many people say “why do this from the middle of the country”? Well, the issue I am tackling is that we do not teach kids about the ocean in schools, it’s not a subject that gets attention. The result is that we have generations of people that do not understand the climate, how the planet really works and that our fate is tied to the health of the ocean. It is our planets life support system. So, I use stories of incredible animals, like sharks, to get people interested and connected to the message of why we need ocean conservation. It works and we have reached over 140,000 students giving them the tools to make a change, to make a difference, to do something. No matter how small, all actions add up to meaningful change.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would take my friend to Casa Bonita, cause, well its a legend. I would take them to an Irish Pub called Nallens in downtown Denver. The best Guiness you can get. I would walk up and down the 16th street mall and walk to the Capitol building. If we could I would take them to a Rockies game and have cotton candy and a hot dog.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Our founder, Graham Casden. He has believed in me and in our mission since the day I met him. He has made all of this possible.

Website: https://www.oceanfirstinstitute.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oceanfirstinstitute/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikkikobza/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/OceanFirstInst
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oceanfirstinstitute1/