Malibu native Jacob Daniel Vandor graduated from the University of Hawaii at Manoa with Phi Beta Kappa and Magna Cum Laude honors, with an anthropology degree, specializing in underwater archaeology and classics studies. During his time at the university, Vandor took part in many diving expeditions, helping to discover a number of artifacts.
In the fall, he will attend the University of Haifa in Israel to begin work toward a master’s degree, where he plans to focus his thesis on the conservation of Israel’s underwater archaeological heritage.
Vandor, who was born and raised in Malibu West, graduated from Malibu High School in 2009, where he played Sharks water polo. He also attended the Ilan Ramon/Heschel West Day School in Agoura and the Malibu Jewish Center and Synagogue Preschool.
Additionally, Vandor is a California State Lifeguard, a scientific diver, an avid surfer and stand-up-paddleboarder. He has also been learning Latin, Greek, Arabic and Hebrew languages.