Dr. Claudia Benitez-Nelson is a Senior Associate Dean and Carolina Distinguished Professor in the College of Arts & Sciences at the University of South Carolina. Her research focuses on understanding the biogeochemical cycling of nutrients and carbon in coastal and open ocean systems. Her many research honors include the Early Career Award in Oceanography from the American Geophysical Union (AGU) and being named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography, and the Oceanography Society. Claudia is passionate about teaching and mentoring the next generation.
Claudia has been happily married to her husband, Bryan, for almost 30 years and has two children, Noah (25) and Julia (21), who tower over their mother. It is unclear from where their musical talent is derived; however, the whole family loves the outdoors. Claudia’s favorite pastime is family vacations to any new and adventurous location (and without snow).