Clifford Kapono

Cliff Kapono's life involves equal parts surfing as it does science. Outside of a professional surf career, his work focuses on elevating scientific literacy. While contributing to peer-reviewed publications in the fields of molecular bioscience, he has also produced a handful of award-winning films around indigenous activism, ocean conservation, and virtual reality. He has been profiled in publications like The New York Times, NBC, CBS, Surfer Magazine, and more. Kapono is currently based at ASU’s new Center for Global Discovery and Conservation Science in Hilo, Hawai‘i and and is an assistant professor in the School of Life Sciences and the School for Social Transformation. He can be found tinkering in the lab when not chasing the best waves on the planet.