The Oceanography Society selected a South Carolina marine science professor for its first Mentoring Award.

The new award recognizes scientists who excel at preparing the next generation of oceanographers. Claudia Benitez Nelson was named as the inaugural award winner this week.

The Oceanography Society chose her because of her “tireless and remarkably successful efforts to engage, mentor, and imbue underrepresented students with her passion for science while also making outstanding contributions to research,” according to a news release. 

“The Selection Committee noted that her extraordinary mentoring efforts are both deep and broad, spanning undergraduate and graduate education, development of national (US) and international education programs, increasing opportunities for minority participation in science, and exceptional personal advising of a broad array of students.”

Benitez Nelson is a Carolina Distinguished Professor and currently serves as an associate dean in the College of Arts and Sciences.

For more information about the award, visit The Oceanography Society website.