Kori Burkhardt is a marine ecologist, underwater photographer, and ocean expedition leader based in French Polynesia. With a methodology of researching and documenting sharks by completely immersing with them, her mission is to show sharks in a beautiful, yet still powerful, perspective. As co-founder of conservation and research organization Mao Mana Foundation, her mission is committed to protecting sharks and furthering research initiatives designed with cultural inclusivity. As an ocean wildlife expedition leader, her mission is to immerse others into the marine ecosystem in a sustainable, ethical, and awe inspiring way that promotes stewardship of our oceans.
Follow her research and shark adventures on INSTAGRAM
What is your favorite shark and why?
My gut answer is always to say that tiger sharks are my favorite shark because they are my favorite shark to dive with. They are the most beautiful sharks to me with their bold stripes, square shaped heads, and impressive size. Their behavior is incredibly fascinating and I love how curious and interactive they can be. You get an immediate sense of their power and intelligence when in the water with them. But, I do have to say that after spending time diving with white sharks recently and spending the last few years extensively researching oceanic whitetip sharks, it's starting to become a close call choosing between the three.
If you could see/study/swim with any shark, what would it be and why?
For a very long time, it has been my dream to observe a salmon shark in the wild! They are one of the most interesting looking sharks, almost like a cartoon puppy version of white sharks, and are not in the spotlight often. I would love to see them and learn more about them!
Can you tell us a little about your current research?
My primary project at the moment is focused on oceanic whitetip sharks in French Polynesia. They are a critically endangered species with almost no data coming out of the Pacific for their ecology. I am examining how environmental factors may create natural conservation barriers as well as shift shark behavior. By understanding why these sharks select certain habitats and the extent of their movement, we can better protect them through efficient management. I am also researching the connection between tourism in the pelagic zone and oceanic whitetip shark behavior, focusing on preventing negative human-shark interactions. However, I have a new project starting in October focusing on tiger shark residency, behavior, and movement in the remote atolls of the Tuamotus. I am really excited to begin this project!
What inspired you to study sharks?
Surprisingly, seeing JAWS at a young age really inspired me. I remember seeing Hooper (the shark scientist) and thinking, "wait, that's a real job? How do I do that?". I grew up in Saint Louis, Missouri which is incredibly far from the ocean. So my introduction to sharks was primarily through the media. Steve Irwin and Shark Week were huge influences in my love for sharks. I'm really thankful that these outlets made me aware that this other world existed and that it was possible to become part of it through research and education.
What advice do you have for students interested in a career in marine science/shark science?
I think the biggest thing for ensuring a successful career in marine science, or science in general, would be emphasizing your skills in data analysis programs and visualization of data (for example taking as many courses as possible focused on R or GIS analysis). I would select an undergraduate program that had a strong course catalogue for these skills, even if they were general biology or environmental undergraduate degrees. You can always further specialize and refine your study interests in your graduate programs, so don't feel pressure to dive right into marine sciences in your undergrad. When it comes specifically to shark science, choosing a program with advisors working on projects you are interested in and joining a lab with aligning interests will be the most important choice. And don't limit yourself, keep your mind open to various fields within marine science. Having a broad background will be helpful in getting opportunities that will help you become more specialized as you continue your career. Most importantly, make friends! Collaboration is key in science!
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