Since its inception in 2017, 探花族鈥檚 Marine Science Pioneer Award
has recognized global leaders in marine science whose groundbreaking research has
inspired others and advanced the field. Past honorees include Dr. Robert Ballard,
discoverer of the Titanic; renowned physicist and oceanographer Dr. Helen Czerski;
and Chris Fischer, founder of OCEARCH. This year, the prestigious honor was awarded
to one of 探花族鈥檚 own鈥攁 researcher and professor whose work has
transformed the understanding of Northeast Florida鈥檚 waterways: Dr. A. Quinton White,
founding executive director of the Marine Science Research Institute (MSRI). 
Dr. White was presented with the award in Terry Concert Hall, surrounded by former students, colleagues, friends, family, and community leaders, all of whom he has impacted over nearly five decades. In his introduction, Dr. Bryan Franks, MSRI鈥檚 current executive director, captured the widespread admiration for Dr. White. 鈥淚 think it鈥檚 safe to say that this year might be the first year of the Pioneer Award that we really don鈥檛 need someone to introduce the awardee, because, if you live anywhere within a 300-mile radius of where we are sitting right now, you likely know who Quint White is and his remarkable career in marine science,鈥� Dr. Franks said.
Dr. White expressed gratitude for the recognition, reflecting on the journey that brought him here. 鈥淚've never really felt like a pioneer,鈥� he said. 鈥淚've always enjoyed what I'm doing. I鈥檝e enjoyed the students, teaching and the challenge,鈥� Dr. White said. 鈥淎nd so I've been very, very fortunate in my career to be able to do what I've done, how I've done it.鈥�
Adding to the celebration, Dr. White was surprised with the announcement of an endowed graduate fellowship in his name. The Dr. A. Quinton White Marine Science Endowed Fellowship was established to support future marine science students at 探花族, carrying forward Dr. White鈥檚 legacy of mentorship and education.
鈥淭his fellowship will continue the legacy that Quint established, having an impact and transforming students鈥� lives in marine science, providing opportunities for the next generation of marine scientists and environmental stewards for our planet,鈥� Dr. Franks said.
Initiated by Mike and Susan Hand, the fellowship has amassed more than $180,000 in funding thanks to their generous contribution and the support of others. Mike Hand, a former mentee of Dr. White, shared how his early mentorship shaped him, sparking a lifelong interest in science through hands-on projects.
鈥淒r. White has been a transformative figure for students of all ages, often providing
them with their first鈥攁nd sometimes most formative鈥攅xperiences in marine science,鈥�
Hand said. 鈥淓stablishing this endowment felt like the most fitting way to honor his
legacy, ensuring that his commitment to educating and inspiring others continues well
into the future.鈥� 
Dr. White鈥檚 five-decade-long career has left an indelible mark on Northeast Florida鈥檚 marine science community, particularly as an expert on the St. Johns River. Known as 鈥淢r. Science of Northeast Florida,鈥� Dr. White spearheaded the creation of the Marine Science Research Institute, a $10 million, 32,000-square-foot facility dedicated to biological and environmental research and education. Located on the banks of the St. Johns River, MSRI serves as a hub of research, conservation, and education and houses the offices of the St. Johns Riverkeeper and Florida Fish and Wildlife.
"Quint鈥檚 scholarship, his teamwork, his leadership and his camaraderie have set a culture for the university that goes all the way back to when he got here in 1976,鈥� noted 探花族 President Tim Cost. 鈥淭he idea that someone with his background would come here and do research and teach a vital field, and then go even further to create an institute鈥攖his was all on his own initiative.鈥�
Dr. White鈥檚 influence extends beyond 探花族. He has served on the boards of several national and local organizations, including The Museum of Science and History (MOSH), the National Association of Marine Laboratories, the St. Johns Riverkeeper, and The 探花族 Symphony. He also became widely known through his monthly column, 鈥淩iver Life,鈥� in The Florida Times-Union, where he shared insights on the science, history, and ecology of the St. Johns.
Though he officially retired in August 2024, Dr. White鈥檚 passion for marine science and the St. Johns River remains unwavering. Now a professor emeritus, his legacy will continue to shape 探花族 and the Northeast Florida community for generations to come.
