image: The Oceanography Society (TOS) congratulates Claudia Benitez-Nelson on her selection as a 2024 Fellow. The citation on her certificate recognizes her outstanding contributions to understanding marine biogeochemical cycling and her exceptional commitment to mentoring and increasing diversity in ocean sciences.
Credit: Claudia Benitez-Nelson
The Oceanography Society (TOS) congratulates Claudia Benitez-Nelson on her selection as a Fellow. The citation on her certificate recognizes her outstanding contributions to understanding marine biogeochemical cycling and her exceptional commitment to mentoring and increasing diversity in ocean sciences.
The nomination materials noted that Dr. Benitez-Nelson is “one of the leading oceanographers of her generation…the world leader in the global phosphorus cycle, the use of isotopes (thorium) for quantifying export processes, and how carbon is transformed as it flows from coastal systems to the deep sea.” Additionally, it was noted that she has “worked hard to promote women and people of color across the geosciences, including coordinating award nominations, seminar invitations, and committee diversification in her role as an elected member of various organizations and in service to federal agencies.”
Dr. Benitez-Nelson earned a Ph.D. in Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology/Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Joint Program. Her research largely focuses on understanding the mechanisms that influence particle formation, composition, and the flux of particles from the surface ocean to the seafloor. Related to this broad theme is an emphasis on understanding carbon and phosphorus biogeochemistry under changing ocean conditions.
She is currently a Senior Associate Dean at the University of South Carolina where she directly oversees 13 interdisciplinary units and institutes and handles all strategic initiatives for the College, encompassing faculty research travel grants, and mentorship programs, and oversees the College’s Strategic Planning.
Dr. Benitez-Nelson’s achievements will be celebrated during The Oceanography Society’s Honors Breakfast taking place on February 21, 2024, during the Ocean Sciences Meeting.
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The TOS Fellows program recognizes individuals who have attained eminence in oceanography through their outstanding contributions to the field of oceanography or its applications during a substantial period of years. The next nomination deadline is October 31, 2025. To learn more about The Oceanography Society and the TOS Fellows program visit: https://tos.org/tos-fellows. The Oceanography Society (TOS) was founded in 1988 to advance oceanographic research, technology, and education, and to disseminate knowledge of oceanography and its application through research and education.
TOS promotes the broad understanding of oceanography, facilitates consensus-building across all the disciplines of the field, and informs the public about ocean research, innovative technology, and educational opportunities throughout the spectrum of oceanographic inquiry. TOS welcomes members from all nations. Any individual, business, or organization interested in ocean sciences is encouraged to join and to participate in the activities and benefits of the society. For more information, visit https://tos.org.