Dr Naomi Wise is the Chief Sustainability Officer at OXCCU.
She has 15 years of experience working within the fields of renewable energy and sustainability, combining her academic interest in clean-tech innovation, research, and development with her practical knowledge of business and project management. Naomi is a Practitioner of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment. DPhil Engineering Science, University of Oxford.
My career didn’t begin with a detailed roadmap but rather with a personal challenge—my fear of the ocean.
Determined to confront this fear, I chose to study marine biology, using this opportunity to turn a personal obstacle into a lifelong passion for understanding and protecting the environment.
Today, I’m the Chief Sustainability Officer at OXCCU, an Oxford University spin-out specialising in converting CO₂ and Hydrogen into sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). My journey is one of adaptability and passion for driving positive environmental change. I hope my story inspires women aspiring to make an impact in tech and sustainability and shows that many paths lead to meaningful work.
My path didn’t come without obstacles! I initially studied at the University of Plymouth and struggled with some academic challenges, so I opted for an Extended Science foundation year. I was curious about marine ecosystems and global environmental issues, so I worked hard towards a BSc in Marine Biology and Oceanography. From there, I continued my education with an MSc in Water and Coastal Management, which offered me the chance to study in Spain and China. These placements gave me a deeper understanding of environmental challenges on a global scale.
Entering the job market during the 2009 recession, I found opportunities in science were scarce. I needed a practical way forward, and when an accountant who lived in the same village as my parents offered me a role, I took it. While this shift might seem off-course to fellow scientists, it gave me invaluable business skills, from bookkeeping to preparing financial statements for small companies. That one year of experience proved essential, equipping me with versatile skills that became unexpectedly valuable later in my career.
My awareness of humanity’s impacts on the environment, particularly upon the oceans, led me back to science. I was fortunate to be offered the opportunity to pursue a DPhil at the University of Oxford. Here, I developed a sensor to detect bacteria in water – a project that sparked my desire to make a real difference in the fight against climate change.
After completing my DPhil, I worked in renewable energy, specifically solar technology and anaerobic digestion. I also established my own freelance business, focusing on administration and bookkeeping for sustainability-focused clients. This freelance work gradually opened new doors for me and led me to meet the team at OXCCU. Initially, I joined as the part-time interim CFO. In this role, I established key financial practices, including budgeting, internal controls and writing and implementing company policies, which positioned the company for growth.
Alongside this, I worked in sustainability, crafting environmental and social governance strategies for local government and businesses, including decarbonisation plans for the Winchester District. When OXCCU offered me a full-time role, I seized the chance. OXCCU’s mission—to create the world’s lowest-cost Power-to-Liquid (PtL) pathway resonated deeply with me. Joining OXCCU full-time allowed me to transition from local initiatives to a global impact scale.
At OXCCU, I thrive in the fast-paced, innovative culture of a startup, where ideas quickly transform into action. It’s an environment driven by collaboration, where wearing many hats keeps things dynamic and fosters growth in unexpected areas. I’m passionate about encouraging more women to enter STEM fields; we bring diverse skills that add significant value, especially in startups.
My current goals at OXCCU include overseeing the development of our OX2 plant, following the successful launch of our demo plant OX1, working to minimise the Non-CO2 effects of OXEFUEL, and securing ASTM certification for our SAF product OXEFUEL. This certification is a critical step in demonstrating the global potential of PtL SAF. Beyond these technical milestones, I’m focused on building a sustainable company culture. Technology is only one piece of the puzzle; we also need to ensure that the people behind the technology are supported and valued and that we’re fostering a culture where everyone can thrive.
My journey is a testament to adaptability and staying true to one’s passion, even when the path isn’t straightforward. To women considering a career in tech or sustainability, I hope my story shows that every experience, even those outside your ideal field, builds versatility. My advice to aspiring female leaders in STEM is to stay curious, embrace new opportunities, and welcome detours—they often lead to unexpected strengths. With the growth in climate tech, now is the perfect time for women to step up and lead.
