Cody Shaw (he/him) recently earned his PhD in chemistry from Stony Brook University. His dissertation took an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the geochemical processes that influence the efficiency and ecological safety of ocean alkalinity enhancement, a novel approach for atmospheric carbon removal in marine environments. He has led collaborative projects with academic, federal, and private-sector partners to advance climate mitigation strategies. During his studies, he also engaged with local stakeholders to communicate the importance of scientific innovation and methodology. He is committed to environmental stewardship, shaped by his upbringing in rural Maine, and is eager to apply his scientific expertise at the state level to strengthen the connections between policy and the communities they serve.