Sergey Nizkorodov is a professor of Chemistry at the UCI School of Physical Science. Sergey's STEM journey began in Kazakhstan, where his passion for chemistry flourished in high school. Through his participation in the Chemistry Olympiad, he gained admission to a physics mathematics school, further honing his skills. Despite economic challenges in his country, Sergey pursued higher education while supporting his family amidst limited resources and financial stability. He took on multiple jobs and engaged in trading activities to overcome these obstacles, demonstrating determination and resilience. During his postdoctoral research, Sergey shifted his focus from chemical physics to atmospheric sciences, specifically studying air pollution chemistry and its impact on climate, health, and visibility. He emphasized the role of particulate matter in cloud formation and the importance of understanding natural compounds in the atmosphere. Sergey addressed misconceptions in the field, highlighting that certain pollutants serve essential roles in atmospheric processes. He also dispelled the misconception that trees contribute to air pollution, emphasizing the vital role of natural compounds emitted by trees in environmental processes. Regarding education, Sergey emphasized the need to revise content standards to incorporate climate literacy and air pollution topics into existing curricula. He advocated for involving teachers in the process to ensure accurate and relevant information is included. By addressing misconceptions and integrating pertinent knowledge, Sergey believes future generations can be equipped with the understanding and tools needed to tackle climate change and environmental challenges. In summary, Sergey Nizkorodov shared his personal STEM journey, highlighting the challenges he faced and his research focus on air pollution and climate change. He emphasized the importance of dispelling misconceptions, integrating relevant information into education, and empowering educators to foster climate literacy among students.