Meet the team of people making it happen.

Dr. Mikki McComb-Kobza is the CEO and Chief Scientist of Ocean First Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to marine research, conservation, and education that has reached over 500,000 people with nationally acclaimed conservation projects and compelling educational programming. Mikki is a marine biologist, and her research is focused primarily on the biology, behavior, abundance, and movement of sharks using novel technologies. She has participated in or led over 40 under-sea expeditions, spanning the globe from Darwin to Cape Town, to Manaus, to Hong Kong, and along the east coast of North America from Nova Scotia to Belize. Her research has been covered by the BBC, National Geographic, Discovery Channel’s Shark Week, NPR and CBC National Radio Canada. She is faculty with CU Boulder Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, the immediate past President of the American Elasmobranch Society, in the Women Divers Hall of Fame, and National Fellow of the Explorer’s Club.

Mikki holds a Ph.D. in Integrative Biology from Florida Atlantic University and is the author of numerous scientific publications. 

She can be contacted at Mikki@oceanfirstinstitute.org or 303-956-7885 

Sam is a seasoned professional in the field of Financial Services, Payments, Money Movement, and FinTech. She is a Managing Director at Accenture where is has been leading Fintech Payments clients through Growth, Payments, and Business Model challenges. Prior to this role, she spent several years with Accenture’s risk and compliance practice based in San Francisco, specializing in providing strategic guidance, business transformation based on regulatory or internal audit requirements, special project management and business remediation advisory support.

Before joining Accenture, she worked for Goldman Sachs in Salt Lake City focusing on credit, liquidity and regulatory risk associated with high risk business lines. During her time there, she Ied several major process re-engineering and new business development projects. Sam graduated from Boston University in May of 2012 with a dual Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an Operations Technology focus and in Hospitality Administration.

Originally from Denver, Colorado, Sam and her partner, Brett now call the Sloan’s Lake area home. Sam fosters dogs with Animal Rescue of the Rockies and is active with Big Brothers Big Sisters Colorado. When she isn’t working, you’ll find her traveling (she is up to 42 countries and counting), enjoying the outdoors, hanging with her pups (Loki and Athena),or working on the next vegetarian recipe.

You can read more about her background and connect with her on LinkedIn.

Ethan has always had a passion for the outdoors, particularly in the oceans. Living landlocked for most of his early life, he was delighted when his family moved to Cape Cod, Massachusetts. After completing high school in rural Pennsylvania, Ethan completed a Bachelor of Science double majoring in Biology and Environmental Science at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, VA, concentrating on marine ecology and conservation. While completing his undergraduate degree, Ethan took part in several research projects in ecology, including a crayfish population survey in the Lake Matoaka watershed via baited trap and netting methods, a camera trap wildlife survey via photo/video analysis, and invasive blue catfish osmoregulatory and electroreceptory capacity in the Chesapeake Bay. Ethan served as a research intern at the Bimini Biological Field Station, or “Sharklab”, in South Bimini, the Bahamas, where he spent his days diving and photographing many shark species, including the endangered Great Hammerhead. Ethan is currently a marine science instructor at MarineLab Environmental Education Center in Key Largo, FL, where he can be found on a boat somewhere in either the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary or Everglades National Park with school groups aged fifth grade through college and adult-level teaching them about seagrass, mangroves or coral reef ecology. Ethan is excited to be a part of OFI, combining research with education, and is looking forward to completing projects tracking shark population health and abundance in and around the Florida Keys.

Jake joins Ocean First Institute bringing with him a rich background in marine science, data analysis, and sustainability. Hailing from Narragansett, Rhode Island, Jake’s educational journey began at William & Mary, where he obtained a Bachelor’s of Science in Mathematical Biology and studied abroad at the University of Adelaide. Jake is also a proud graduate from several University of Rhode Island programs, earning a Master’s Degree in Marine Affairs, Master’s Degree in Business Administration, and Master’s Degree in Oceanography.

At the crux of Jake’s expertise is his recent stint as a Graduate Research Assistant at the University of Rhode Island. His noteworthy contributions to the scientific community include research on the structure and stiffness of elasmobranch cartilage, and examining the varying morphological characteristics influenced by species and diet. Through meticulous experimentation and data analysis, he played a significant role in determining the correlation between cartilage stiffness and diet across various species, an endeavor that saw him recognized as an author in multiple publications.

Jake’s journey in marine science has been characterized by diverse roles that allowed him to hone a blend of analytical and interpersonal skills. His tenure as an Assistant Facilities Manager at the URI Graduate School of Oceanography was marked by his efforts in maintaining life support systems for marine organisms and fostering environmental awareness through public outreach and education initiatives. Further, as a Fisheries Investigator with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, he demonstrated precision and commitment in fish species identification and data collection, contributing to national research sponsored by NOAA Fisheries.

Apart from his hands-on research roles, Jake has also been an impactful educator, serving as a Graduate Teaching Assistant where he encouraged intellectual curiosity and academic excellence among students. His background in entrepreneurship through an internship at RIHUB equipped him with a well-rounded skill set in areas including sales, marketing, risk assessment, and communication as well.

Beyond his academic and professional pursuits, Jake stands out as a community leader. His leadership roles in various campus organizations during his undergraduate years and a range of volunteer activities, including efforts with the California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations and Save the Bay Rhode Island, showcase his commitment to advancing community values alongside environmental stewardship.

Jake is well-versed in data analysis and brings proficient knowledge in tools such as Python, R, and MATLAB, setting the stage for innovative research approaches at the Ocean First Institute. As he steps into his new role, Jake is poised to be an asset to the team, blending academic/professional rigor with a passion for marine science sustainability and community engagement.

“Certified USCG operator of uninspected passenger vessels (6-pack) with extensive sea time and navigational experience on both recreational and commercial sea-going vessels. Passionate about the ocean and how to responsibly sustain aquatic ecosystems. After graduating high school, lived in Ghana for six months educating children, and assisting on a family farm. Spent three years during undergraduate studies at Florida Gulf Coast University researching the species and ecosystems of South West Florida estuaries and coastal waters. Most of her research involved native species of seagrasses. Her senior research used GIS and aerial imagery to quantify seagrass propeller scarring in Estero Bay outside of Fort Myers. Has lived aboard and owned a self-sustaining 34 ft sailboat for two years, sailing and maintaining her solo with a little bit of help from the furry first mate, Toot the marina cat.”

Chris is a biologist who is passionate about the conservation of marine and aquatic ecosystems. His personal and career goal is to contribute in any way that he can to minimize human impacts on these ecosystems and in turn to help sustain a healthy human population. As such, he often engages with the public and students on these matters and he has numerous publications and ongoing research projects aimed at answering important ecological questions and at filling in knowledge gaps to inform conservation efforts. His passion has led to research spanning the depths of the oceans, the North American Great Lakes, and across coastal ecosystems; and from microscopic organisms like zooplankton to some of the largest and most charismatic creatures in the oceans like sharks, sea turtles, marine mammals, and large reef fish like the Atlantic Goliath Grouper. He focuses his research on foraging ecology, niche partitioning, effectiveness of management and enforcement, ecotoxicology, health physiology, spawning behavior and patterns, life history of fishes, population- and community-level ecology, invasive species impacts, gut microbiome communities, effects of pollutants like microplastics/nanoparticles on food web ecology, and impacts of water quality on the behavior and health of fishes. He is also heavily involved in wildlife policy and management. His research has been featured in numerous magazine and newspaper articles and documentaries, including National Geographic among others. He is also a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) SSC Grouper and Wrasse Specialist Group.

He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, USA and upon graduation began studying fish ecology at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Great Lakes WATER Institute, USA. He then went on to complete a masters degree from Florida Atlantic University, followed by a PhD at Florida State University. He spent two years (2019-2021) at Purdue University as a postdoctoral scholar, followed by a position as Senior Scientist at South Florida Water Management District, Florida, USA where he designed and implemented programs to monitor South Florida Everglades restoration efforts related to water quantity/quality impacts on coastal fish communities and their habitat. He now joins Ocean First Institute as Director of Research and Conservation! Chris is an AAUS certified diver and a certified USCG operator of uninspected passenger vessels (6-pack) with nearly 20 years of boating experience and > 800 days of sea time. 

Chrissy Frederick joins the team at Ocean First Institute after twenty years of experience as a science teacher in both public and independent schools and four years as an instructional designer with Ocean First Education.

John Stuart, a registered architect and Distinguished University Professor at Florida International University, has dedicated over 30 years to fostering innovation at the intersection of design, technology, and environmental resilience. As Associate Dean for Cultural and Community Engagement and Executive Director of the School of Architecture Miami Beach Urban Studios, he advances the use of additive manufacturing technologies, including 3D printing, while promoting interdisciplinary collaborations that explore urban sustainability and climate adaptation. Stuart chairs the Miami Beach Historic Preservation Board and is a member of Miami-Dade County’s Biscayne Bay Shoreline Development Review Committee and Resilient 305. His current research investigates the impact of rising sea levels on historic urban environments, working with graduate students to develop resilient strategies for Miami Beach’s Historic Districts. Stuart co-directs an AI project focused on these districts and co-chairs the Resilience and Sustainability Council at the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce. Recognized for his academic and civic contributions and with work supported by grants from the NSF, NEH, and the NEA, Stuart attempts to shape strategies and policies for sustainable design and urban heritage preservation in the face of environmental challenges.

Jerry graduated with a Master of Business Administration from Florida International University. Jerry holds the Certified Financial Planner designation. Jerry is a Board Member with Florida International University Frost Art Museum, a Board Member with the Estate Planning Council of Greater Miami, and a Legacy Advisor with Nicklaus Children’s Foundation. He also serves on the Professional Advisor Committee for the Coral Gables Community Foundation.

Jerry is a seasoned Investment Professional with over 25 years of experience in Portfolio Management, Client Management, Trading, Research and Analysis, Asset Allocation, and Business Development. Jerry has managed High and Ultra High Net-Worth Individuals, Trusts, Foundations, Institutional Clients, and Family Offices.

Ari is a Professor in the Ocean Sciences Department at UC Santa Cruz and Director of Research for the California Ocean Alliance.  Ari’s research focuses on developing new technology to study the underwater behavior of marine animals and the impacts of human activities.  Ari has been studying the impacts of climate change on whales in the Antarctic for over 20 years and the impacts of anthropogenic sound disturbance on marine mammals in California for over 12 years.  Along with this research, Ari is dedicated to developing new ways of sharing information by working across disciplines to promote marine conservation and generate opportunities for students from underserved and underrepresented groups.
A native of Connecticut, Ari received a Master’s in Marine Biology from UNC Wilmington and PhD in Ecology from Duke University.  Ari is a US delegate to the International Whaling Commission’s Scientific Committee, a member of the NMFS Scientific Review Group, a National Geographic Explorer, and WWF Ambassador. 

Laura’s research experience includes elasmobranch (shark, skate, and ray) behaviour, physiology, and biomechanics. She has extensive experience in elasmobranch husbandry. Current work includes investigations into the mineralization of the elasmobranch skeleton, patterns of locomotion in benthic rays, and the biomechanics of body stabilization.

Dr. Ekstrom completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship at Mount Holyoke College and is currently an assistant professor at Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts. She is an active supporter of women in STEM and is a co-founder of Wheaton’s Summit for Women in STEM, a one-day conference to highlight, mentor, and connect women in STEM across New England.

Mehgan helped to pioneer the sport of freediving in the U.S., when in 1996 she established the first U.S. freedive record for both men and women with a dive to 155 feet on a single breath of air. Less than one year later, she bettered that record by diving to 165 feet.

Mehgan was one of the original inductees into the Women Diver’s Hall of Fame, and holds a degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, and Anthropology from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

As a young girl growing up in the Florida Keys, Mehgan’s love of freediving and the ocean environment ignited a strong passion for science, conservation, and exploration. Today, these passions continue to fuel and give substance to her pursuit of water and land based adventures. Mehgan is dedicated to doing what she can to be “part of the solution” when it comes to raising awareness about issues that are important to her, such as the critical health and future of the world’s oceans.

Currently, Mehgan stars in the expedition based television series, Treasure Quest, on the Discovery Channel, working as a dive expert and Anthropologist on an elite team of explorers searching for lost Incan gold in the waters of South America.

In 2015 Tanya left her career as a mathematician and military defense analyst to pursue underwater photography and marine conservation full time. Her images and articles have since appeared in print and online publications worldwide. In 2016, she was inducted into the prestigious Ocean Artists Society for using her images to further global marine conservation efforts. Tanya also conducts field work for scientists and researchers by acquiring the images they need to further their studies. She enjoys leading expeditions for other divers and underwater photographers as well, particularly those involving her beloved sharks.

Tanya is heavily involved in promoting adaptive scuba diving for those with disabilities, as she is the mother of a young-adult son with autism who is a certified scuba diver. Whenever possible, Tanya, her husband, and son travel to dive destinations around the world to experience the underwater world together as a family.

Renee is an emergency department nurse who found her passion for conservation and the ocean while growing up in both Colorado and the northern Abacos of the Bahamas. While in the Bahamas, she witnessed and experienced the incredible life of living on the ocean. Through this, she came to understand the impacts of the relationship between humans and the ecosystem. For Renee, these experiences highlighted the importance of ocean conservation efforts on a local and global level as a means to encourage a more symbiotic relationship between humans and the planet. From founding a successful marine biology club in highschool to serving on the board of a ocean conservation research focused philanthropic organization, Renee has been an active promoter of ocean research, conservation, and education. In her free time, Renee is likely to be found in the mountains with her husband and dog, exploring a new country, or spending as much time under the ocean surface as possible.

Brittnie Bassant is the current President & CEO for the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce. As the youngest President & CEO in the Chamber’s history, Brittnie champions businesses and community pillars alike through building relationships and connections that contribute to the overall economic development of Miami Beach.

No stranger to the Chamber of Commerce world, prior to joining the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, Brittnie served as the President & CEO for ChamberSOUTH, the Chamber of Commerce for Greater South Miami Dade. She has also worked in the not-for-profit and political arenas for notable local organizations such as The Everglades Foundation, The Deering Estate Foundation, and the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners.

She currently serves on the Zoo Miami Foundation’s Board of Directors, Executive Committee as Secretary, and Zoo Miami’s Wild Bunch Young Professionals Group as a past Chairwoman. Additionally, she is a member of the Miami Dade Beacon Council Board of Directors, the Alliance for Florida’s National Parks Board of Directors, Be Strong International’s Board of Directors, the UCF Miami Alumni Club Board of

Directors, Junior League of Miami Community Advisory Board, United Way Miami’s Women United and Young Leaders, Girl Scouts Trefoil Society and Troop 305, Miami Women Who Rock’s Founders Circle and Young Philanthropists & Professionals, and the Young Everglades Patrons.

She is a proud Knight having received her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Central Florida. In her spare time, Brittnie is an avid supporter of local philanthropic efforts, primarily focused on animal conservation and welfare as well as environmental issues.

As OFI’s Educational Programs Coordinator, Annie’s background in nonprofit work and a strong commitment to the community will assist the Director of Education in delivering impactful microplastics and marine science programming for all schools and communities in the Front Range.

Outside of her work, Annie enjoys exploring the outdoors through hiking and biking, painting, cooking, and reading fiction novels. Annie is also a PADI-certified scuba diver.