
JUDITH CAMPS-CASTELLA
Oceanographer · Photographer · Diver · Conservationist artist
About Me

Welcome, Bienvenido, Benvingut
She/Her | PhD in Marine Biodiversity | MSc Marine Ecology (Chile) | BSc Marine Sciences (Barcelona)
I am a marine scientist with a PhD in Marine Biodiversity, specialising in corals and other marine invertebrates. My research interests include the taxonomy and systematics of Gorgoniidae using morphological and molecular approaches, the use of stable isotopes to investigate trophic ecology and ecological responses, and the role of habitat-forming species in marine ecosystem functioning. I am particularly interested in understanding how environmental change, climate-driven stress, and human activities affect marine biodiversity, ecosystem resilience, and the conservation of vulnerable marine habitats.
I hold an MSc in Marine Ecology from the Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción (UCSC), Chile, where my research focused on the diversity, distribution, and structural complexity of gorgonian gardens along the Chilean coast, as well as their associated species. Throughout my scientific career, I have combined fieldwork, taxonomy, molecular techniques, and ecological approaches to better understand marine organisms and the ecosystems they inhabit, from temperate South American waters to the Mediterranean Sea.
Alongside my research, I have increasingly focused on marine science communication, ocean literacy, and environmental education. I believe that understanding the ocean and our connection to it is essential for fostering a more informed and engaged society. My work in this field includes developing educational resources and learning activities, delivering workshops and talks, writing science communication articles, and contributing to outreach and conservation projects. I have worked with diverse audiences, including students, teachers, marine professionals, and the general public, communicating topics such as marine biodiversity, coral identification, marine protected areas, ecosystem restoration, and ocean conservation.
I am particularly interested in bridging the gap between scientific research and society by translating complex scientific knowledge into accessible, engaging, and meaningful experiences. Through education and outreach, I aim to spark curiosity, encourage critical thinking, and strengthen people's connection with the marine environment, inspiring greater awareness and action towards ocean conservation.
My work brings together marine research, science communication, and environmental education, driven by a shared goal: to better understand marine ecosystems, communicate their importance, and contribute to their long-term conservation.