Heather Judkins

Heather Judkins is a Professor in the Department of Integrative Biology at the University of South Florida’s College of Arts and Sciences. She specializes in Marine Biology, focusing on cephalopods such as octopuses, squids, and cuttlefish. Her research emphasizes their evolution, ecology, and biogeography in the Gulf of Mexico and Wider Caribbean. She holds leadership roles, including President of the Cephalopod International Advisory Council (2018).

Education:

• Ph.D., University of South Florida
• M.S., Nova Southeastern University

Research Interests: Dr. Judkins explores biodiversity, phylogeny, and systematics of cephalopods. Her work investigates genetic diversity, physiology, and bioluminescence differences at depth. She has led nine expeditions, including the first to film a giant squid in U.S. waters.

Awards:

• Florida Marine Science Educators Association Educator of the Year (2012)

Grants & Expeditions:

• Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative Award
• NOAA Ocean Exploration Grant (studying bioluminescence at 2,000m depths)

Her Invertebrate Lab focuses on molluscan cephalopods and pelagic snails, advancing knowledge in marine biodiversity and conservation.