Patricia M. Dove

Professor of Geochemistry and Biogeochemistry

5109 Derring Hall

+1.540.231.2444 (Phone)

+1.540.231.3386 (FAX)

4044 Derring Hall (0420)
Blacksburg, VA 24061

Ph.D., Geochemistry, Princeton University, 1991

Biogeochemistry of Earth Processes: bgep

Research in our interdisciplinary group of geoscientists, chemists, biologists and engineers is focused on building fundamental insights to processes that control skeletal formation, cementation, and chemical weathering.  Our investigations employ both theoretical and nanoscale experimental methods to study mineral nucleation, growth and recycling through dissolution. Most studies are based upon carefully designed model systems to investigate critical questions regarding reaction processes and the interplay of factors that control their behavior.

Publications from our group are found in high profile journals that include the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, Nature, Science, and Geochimica Cosmochimica Acta.  The Ph.D. and M.S. students in bgep have been recognized for their excellence and innovative findings with a number of awards including the NSF Graduate Fellowship, Mineralogical Society of America Best Paper Award, Materials Research Society Gold Award, and AGU Outstanding Student Paper Award.  

Dove received the F.W. Clarke Medal from the Geochemical Society in 1996, was the Gast Lecturer for the Geochemical Society in 2002 and was elected Fellow of the American Geophysical Union in 2008.  Research from her group has also been twice recognized by DOE Best University Research Awards in 1999 and 2005.

Teaching 

In addition to an active research program, Dove brings energy to undergraduate and graduate classrooms.  She was a Teaching Fellow while at Georgia Tech and is the recipient of the 1995 Amoco CETL Junior Faculty Teaching Excellence Award. Each year she teaches Resources in the Environment (GEOS 1024) and Environmental Geochemistry (GEOS 4634).

Opportunities for Graduate Study

The bgep program has new openings for new Ph.D. students.  Visit the bgep site at www.geochem.geos.vt.edu/bgep/ to learn more or contact dove@vt.edu.