Welcome

My research interests are centered in the field of biogeochemistry, a multidisciplinary approach focused on understanding the chemical composition of the Earth’s biosphere. Within this broad area, my research examines the sources, sinks and cycling of organic matter. More specifically, I am interested in the persistence of human‐derived compounds in the marine environment (e.g. petroleum) and the cycling of recalcitrant organic compounds between the atmosphere, terrestrial and marine biospheres. My work seeks to examine how the chemical structure, physical associations and bioavailability of specific organic compounds determines their cycling and eventual fate.

Helen K White Lab Blog

• The Gulf in Retrospect: Why it Was More than Busy

  As a coffee fanatic, I’ve long been a proponent of measuring exhaustion by the amount of coffee consumed in a day. A cup means you are incredibly we... Read More

  Posted on July 17 2013
• Tiding you Over

  The Sand Patty and You: Accepting Aged Oil as a Friend So I’ve been getting some gentle prods to post my reflections on the recent trip to the Gulf... Read More

  Posted on July 16 2013
• … so in conclusion

  It ended up being 4 days, 9 sampling sites, 289 photos, over 400 miles, too much junk food, and (undoubtedly) gallons of sunscreen later that we board... Read More

  Posted on July 13 2013
• Rule Abiding Citizens in the Bayou

  On Day 3, the White Lab decides to break less rules than intended. (Except that no more doughnuts rule; we did make a doughnut stop before our first s... Read More

  Posted on July 12 2013
• Gulf Trip, Day 3

  Hello to all! We have sampled all that we are able to (for this trip!) and will ship the samples up north tomorrow morning. With any luck, they will a... Read More

  Posted on July 11 2013