MacOl Stewart Cerda

Macol Stewart Cerda serves as the Founding Executive Director of the Climate Systems Engineering initiative at the University of Chicago, collaborating with leading researchers to establish a new scientific field focused on carbon removal and geoengineering. Previously, Cerda was the Founding Executive Director of the Institute on the Formation of Knowledge, where strategic leadership in research and public engagement was emphasized. With extensive experience in consulting, including owning Silmaril Consulting and working with NOAA and USAID on impactful environmental and development initiatives, Cerda has demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing complex climate challenges. Academic qualifications include degrees in Philosophy from Princeton University and International Relations and Environmental Studies from Yale University, along with specialized training in Oceanography and Buddhist Studies.