When I was young, I read a book that began with a Want Ad in a newspaper that read

“Teacher seeks pupil. Must have an earnest desire to save the world. Apply in-person.”

I have been showing up in response to that ad ever since.

Because I have held many identities in my life: queer woman, mother, scientist, SNAP benefits and state Medicaid recipient, business owner… and they all inform the way I move through the world, both as an individual and a professional.

My past research has focused on the impact of nicotine on cancer treatments, how menthol increases the health impact of tobacco use, the metabolism of the most potent cancer-causing compound in tobacco, and the impact of tobacco use and cancer on LGBTQ+ communities. I am an advocate for equity and inclusion, college affordability, science funding, the role of scientific evidence in public health policy, and evidence-based health justice policies.

I developed the beginnings of Just KozS LLC in 2021 with a request to participate in drafting a couple of international reports on tobacco flavor additive products, international mentholated tobacco policies, and the impact of nicotine on cancer treatments. From there, we expanded into grant writing, academic partnership proposals, and evaluation and data analysis for small-medium sized nonprofits to become the organization we are today. The name of the business is both a homage to my grandfather and named for the work we do to support just causes that advance equity and justice.

—

Shannon Kozlovich, PhD
Founder and CEO