Kendrick Shaw graduated with a Bachelor's and Master's degree in computer science from Case Western Reserve University. He then went on to work as a Software Design Engineer for Microsoft Corporation before returning to Case Western Reserve University to retrain in their Medical Scientist Training Program. His graduate dissertation focused on mathematical models of motor pattern generators in the sea slug Aplysia californica. He then did his residency training in anesthesia and a critical care fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital where he is currently an instructor in anesthesia.