Dr. Claudia Benitez-Nelson, on Nutrient Cycling, Storm water runoff, and Communicating Science to the Public

In this presentation, Dr. Claudia Benitez-Nelson discusses inland and coastal nutrient cycling in relation to planning for stormwater surges.  She also introduces to us Science Moms, a non-partisan program that helps climate scientists share that work and climate change impact during everyday interactions, and fields audience questions.  Please note:  we apologize for missing the record cue.  Video begins after welcome, land acknowledgment  and introduction.  It starts a minute or so in, joining mid-sentence, as Dr. Benitez-Nelson orients the audience.  In contrast to the bulk of her research sites (off-shore marine environments), this particular study addresses students interests (and avoiding recent travel constraints) looks at local ponds.  

Biography

Dr. Benitez-Nelson is Carolina Distinguished Professor in the Department of Earth Ocean and the Environment, University of South Carolina.  Her research focuses on the biogeochemical cycling of phosphorus and carbon, largely in marine environments, and how these elements are influenced by natural and anthropogenic processes. 

She is a multi-award-winning teacher and mentor, recognized by USC and professional societies.  She has an extensive publication record which includes lead authored pieces in both Science and Nature.   She is regularly called upon by scientific and policy agencies for her expertise. Dr. Benitez-Nelson also serves as Associate Dean,  for Instruction, Community Engagement and Research.  In this role, she has direct oversight over five units and a field lab, works on faculty recruitment, retention, and advancement, and matters pertaining to grad student support and Courses and Curriculum.

​Dr. Benitez-Nelson earned a B.S. in chemistry and oceanography from the University of Washington and a Ph.D. in oceanography from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute/Massachusetts Institute of Technology Joint Program.

WiSE Professions

This was a presentation of the Women in Scientific and Environmental Professions Speaker Series, a program of the ESF Women's Caucus.