Judith Camps-Castella

My name is Judith Camps-Castella. I am Marine Scientist from the University Barcelona, and I have completed a master’s degree in Marine Ecology in Chile for 2 years. Currently, I am a PhD student in the Animal Biodiversity program at the University of Barcelona. My PhD research focuses on cold-water and temperate gorgonians (from Chilean waters and the Mediterranean Sea), investigating their role as key bioengineering organisms capable of generating new habitat and enhancing benthic biomass and local diversity. In particular, I am interested in elucidating genetic relationships at the deepest level of current octocoral phylogenetic trees.

All of this have given me the opportunity to work in different seas around the world, including the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. I have conducted research stays at prestigious institutions such as the Smithsonian Institution of the United States or the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich in Germany. In addition, in Chile I discovered new species of corals a finding that was widely covered by leading South American journals (https://laderasur.com/fotografia/belleza-submarina-de-chile-conoce-las-…). Throughout my career, I have received different international research grants to support mu research . These include funding from the British Ecological Society, Linnean Society Research Fund, PADI Foundation, German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), EuroMarine Individual Fellowship (European Union), and grants from institutions such as the American Museum of Natural History in New York, the University of Barcelona, and Banco Santander, among others.

Beyond my research, I am deeply passionate about ocean conservation and sharing scientific knowledge with the public. I am currently working on a short-documentary about gorgonians around my hometown, l'Ametlla de Mar, highlighting their ecological significance and featuring stories from local fishermen to promote marine awareness (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIbWYPrQv3E).
My typical day involves intensive laboratory work, often spending entire days extracting DNA and RNA from my samples. On other days, I go diving to collect specimens. I also have a passion for underwater photography, which is why I often dive in my spare time as well. To unwind, I enjoy reading—whether it’s science fiction or marine science books, such as Charles Darwin’s Diary.

As a member of the Youth4Ocean Forum, I am eager to collaborate with others to protect our oceans and promote sustainable marine practices.

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