Claudia Benitez-Nelson

Claudia Benitez-Nelson is a Distinguished Professor and Senior Associate Dean for College Initiatives and Interdisciplinary Programs at the University of South Carolina, within the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of the Earth, Ocean and Environment. She holds a courtesy appointment and is actively engaged in research, education, and national science leadership.

• B.S. in Chemistry and Oceanography — University of Washington
• Ph.D. in Oceanography — MIT-WHOI Joint Program (1999)

Her research centers on biogeochemical cycling, particularly of phosphorus and carbon, in marine and coastal systems. She investigates particle formation, export, and burial using radiochemical and mass spectrometric techniques, with field sites spanning South Carolina, California, and South Africa. Her work integrates climate change, ocean acidification, and nutrient dynamics.

The most recent publications reflect a strong focus on marine particle dynamics, organic matter cycling, carbon export, and environmental change. Themes include the use of radionuclides (e.g., 234Th), mercury isotopes, and foraminiferal proxies to understand biogeochemical processes and paleoenvironmental conditions. Research spans coastal to open ocean systems, with implications for climate modeling and ecosystem health.

Scientific Awards and Honors:

• AGU Early Career Award in Oceanography
• Fulbright and Marie Curie Fellowships
• AAAS, ASLO, and Oceanography Society Fellow
• University of South Carolina Distinguished Professor of the Year
• Sulzman Award for Excellence in Education and Mentoring (AGU)
• Oceanography Society Mentoring Award
• Outstanding Educator Award — Association for Women Geoscientists

She has been continuously funded by NSF, NASA, and NOAA for over two decades, supporting extensive research and education initiatives. She mentors numerous graduate and undergraduate students, many of whom are co-authors on her publications. She leads major projects such as those under EXPORTS and GEOTRACES, and serves on national advisory panels including the NAS Ocean Studies Board and the White House Ocean Research Advisory Panel.

She is also active in outreach through Science Moms, a nonpartisan group of climate scientist mothers advocating for climate action and education. Her work bridges science, policy, and public engagement.