Manabu Shiraiwa is a professor of Chemistry at the UCI School of Physical Sciences. Manabu shares his personal stem journey, mentioning his early interest in environmental issues and atmospheric science. He attributes his motivation and interest in the field to his personal exploration and reading books. He mentions that he didn't face significant challenges along the way but emphasizes the importance of personal motivation in driving learning. Regarding his current research, Manabu focuses on atmospheric air quality, particularly studying particles and the chemical reactions occurring in them. He also highlights his recent involvement in indoor chemistry research, driven by the recognition that indoor air quality significantly impacts human health, especially since people spend a significant amount of time indoors. When asked about the most misunderstood concept in his field, Manabu expresses surprise at the criticism and denial of climate change in certain regions, contrasting it with his experiences in Japan and Germany where people generally acknowledge it as a problem. He emphasizes that climate change is a scientific fact, not a matter of belief, and attributes the misunderstanding to a lack of education and understanding. Manabu emphasizes the vital role of education in addressing climate change and sees it as an essential part of climate action. He believes that well-informed and educated individuals are more likely to take action. He suggests that P.K. through 12 teachers can incorporate climate change education by helping students understand the fundamentals and the impact of human activities on increasing CO2 levels. Overall, Manabu Shiraiwa's responses highlight his personal journey, research focus on atmospheric air quality and indoor chemistry, the importance of education in addressing climate change, and his concern about the misunderstandings surrounding climate change.