Patricia M. Dove

Patricia M. Dove, of Blacksburg, Virginia, earned a bachelor’s degree in agronomy in 1980 and a master’s degree in geological sciences in 1984, both from Virginia Tech. She went on to earn a doctorate degree from Princeton University and completed a National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship at Stanford University.

Dove is currently the C.P. Miles Professor of Science and University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Geosciences at Virginia Tech. Prior to her arrival at Virginia Tech in 2000, she was on the faculty at Georgia Tech.

One of today’s preeminent geochemists, Dove has made major contributions to research in the biogeochemistry of Earth processes, the physical basis of biomineralization, and geochemical controls on geophysical properties. Her interdisciplinary research is focused on understanding mineral reactions in natural and engineered environments. She is particularly known for studies of biomineralization—the processes by which organisms grow minerals within tissues to produce skeletons and other structures. Their many functions include mechanical support, filtration, grinding, light harvesting, gravity sensing, and magnetic guidance. Her work is supported by the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Energy, and others.

A recipient of numerous honors and awards, Dove was elected in 2012 to the National Academy of Sciences, the most prestigious scientific organization in the United States, and charged with providing independent, objective advice to the nation on matters related to science and technology. Additionally, she is a recipient of the Clarke Medal and the Dana Medal, has twice received the U.S. Department of Energy Best University Research Award, and was named a 2013 Virginia Scientist of the Year.

Dove is a Fellow of the American Geophysical Union, Mineralogical Society of America, Geochemical Society, and the European Association of Geochemists.