John R. White

John R. White serves as Associate Dean of Research and Professor in the Department of Oceanography & Coastal Sciences at Louisiana State University's College of Coast & Environment, holding the John and Catherine Day Professorship. His leadership in coastal research directly informs restoration efforts in the Mississippi River Delta and Gulf Coast ecosystems.

His academic background includes:

• B.S. in Geology, Washington and Lee University, 1988
• M.S. in Geological Oceanography, Florida Institute of Technology, 1992
• M.S. in Coastal Zone Management, Florida Institute of Technology, 1993
• Ph.D. in Soil & Water Science (Wetland Biogeochemistry), University of Florida, 1999

Dr. White's research centers on biogeochemical cycling of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in coastal wetlands, estuaries, and lake sediments. His work addresses critical challenges including nutrient dynamics in river diversions, constructed wetland treatment for pharmaceutical removal, microbial-mediated transformations, and plant-soil-nutrient interactions. This research provides essential data for coastal managers combating land loss and water quality degradation in deltaic systems.

His extensive publication record (over 105 peer-reviewed articles) reveals consistent focus on Mississippi River diversions, wetland restoration efficacy, and climate change impacts. Recent work (2023-2025) emphasizes river reconnection effects on nutrient cycling, soil properties in created marshes, and blue carbon potential, with strong methodological integration of field measurements and molecular analysis.

His distinguished awards include:

• Fellow of the Soil Science Society of America (2017)
• Dean’s Outstanding Service Award (2018)
• Multiple teaching awards including Tiger Athletic Foundation Undergraduate Teaching Award (2008, 2011)
• Coast & Environment Outstanding Faculty Research Award (2015)

As mentor and educator, Dr. White teaches Wetlands and Water Quality (service-learning) and Biogeochemistry of Wetland Soils, with student-led publications indicating active graduate supervision. He directs the Wetland and Aquatic Biogeochemistry Laboratory and serves on the EPA Board of Scientific Counselors for Safe and Sustainable Waters, bridging academic research with federal environmental policy.