Patricia M. Dove
- C.P. Miles Professor of Science

The Dove group investigates mineral-solution interactions in systems that contain polysaccharides, proteins, and other macromolecules. Much of their work is focused on the nucleation and growth of mineral phases (oxides and sparingly soluble materials) in biomineralization settings to form the functional structures that we know as skeletons and other organic-mineral composites. Their research has numerous applications to the design and synthesis of crystal-organic composite materials for drug delivery, tissue engineering, pharmaceutical and energy-related industries.
Dove also has Virginia Tech appointments in the Department of Chemistry (Affiliate) and the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (Joint).
Service
Chair of Class I (Mathematical and Physical Sciences), National Academy of Sciences nasonline.org
Past-president and Board of Directors, Virginia Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine vasem.org
Virginia Bar Association, Member of Committee on Special Issues of National and State Importance
Council for Chemical Sciences, Geosciences, Biosciences (CSGB), US Department of Energy
Education
Ph.D., Geochemistry, Princeton University, 1991
M.S., Geochemistry, Virginia Tech, 1984
B.S., Agronomy, Virginia Tech, 1980
Research Interests
Environmental geochemistry
Biomineralization
Biomaterials, Biosustainable Materials
Carbonate and silica phases
Thermodynamics and kinetics of mineral-water interactions
Mergelsberg, S., P.M. Dove (2019) Composition Systematics in the Exoskeleton of the American Lobster, Homarus americanus and Implications for Malacostraca. In Frontiers in Earth Science: Characterization and interpretation of chemical heterogeneities in biominerals. 7:69, doi:10.3389/feart.2019.00069 Eds. D. Vielzeuf, C. Rollion-Bard, A. Sadekov, A. Perez-Huerta.
Hoeher, A., S.T. Mergelsberg, O. Borkiewicz, P. M. Dove and F. Marc Michel (2019) In situ structural investigations of amorphous and crystalline materials using mixed-flow reactors. Acta Crystallographica Section A.
Dove, P.M., N. Han, A. F. Wallace (2019) Systematic Effect of Amino Acids and NaCl on Kinetic and Thermodynamic Barriers to Homogeneous Silica. Journal of Materials Research, Focus Issue: Understanding Water-Oxide Interfaces to Harness New Processes and Technologie. 34, http://dx.doi.org/10.1557/jmr.2018.474
Blue, C., A.J. Giuffre, S.T. Mergelsberg, J.J. De Yoreo, and P.M. Dove (2017) Chemical and physical controls on the transformation of amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) into crystalline CaCO3 polymorphs. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta.
Whittaker, M., P.M. Dove, D. Joester (2016) Nucleation on surfaces and in confinement. MRS Bulletin. 41, Issue 05, May 2016, pp 388-392 doi: 10.1557/mrs.2016.90
De Yoreo J.J., Gilbert, P.U.P.A., Sommerdijk N.A.J.M., Penn R.L., Whitelam S., Joester D., Zhang H.Z., Rimer J.D., Navrotsky A., Banfield J.F., Wallace A.F., Michel F.M., Meldrum F.C., Cölfen H., and Dove P.M. (2015) Crystallization by particle attachment in synthetic, biogenic, and geologic environments. Science, 349, print extended abstract at pg. 498, online at aaa6760 DOI: 10.1126/science.aaa6760. (Corresponding author: Dove)
Giuffre A.J., Gagnon A., De Yoreo J.J., and Dove P.M. (2015) Isotopic tracer evidence for the amorphous calcium carbonate to calcite transformation by dissolution–reprecipitation. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 165, 407–417.
Blue C. and Dove P.M. (2015) Chemical controls on the magnesium content of amorphous calcium carbonate. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 148, 23–33.
Hamm L.M., Giuffre A.J., Han N., Tao J., Wang D., De Yoreo J.J., and Dove P.M. (2014) Reconciling disparate views of template-directed nucleation through measurement of calcite nucleation kinetics and binding energies. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 111, 1304-1309.
Giuffre A.J., Hamm L.M., Han N., De Yoreo J.J., and Dove P.M. (2013) Polysaccharide chemistry regulates kinetics of calcite nucleation through competition of interfacial energies. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 110, 9261-9266.
Han, N., C.R. Blue, J.J. De Yoreo, P.M. Dove (2013) The effect of carboxylates on the Mg content of calcites that transform from ACC. Water-Rock International.
Wang, D., T. Echigo, A.J. Giuffre, L.M. Hamm, J.D. Rimstidt, J.J. De Yoreo, J. Grotzinger, P.M. Dove (2012) Revisiting geochemical controls on patterns of carbonate deposition through the lens of multiple pathways to mineralization. Faraday Discussion: Biological Crystallization, 159, 371-386.
Wang, D., L. M. Hamm, R. J. Bodnar, P.M. Dove (2012) Raman spectroscopic characterization of the magnesium content in amorphous calcium carbonate. Journal of Raman Spectroscopy. DOI 10.1002/jrs.3057.
Hu, Q., Nielsen, M.H., Freeman, C.L., Hamm, L.M., Tao, J., Lee, J.R.I, Han, T.Y.J., Becker, U., Harding, J.H., Dove, P.M., De Yoreo, J.J. (2012) The thermodynamics of calcite nucleation at organic interfaces: Classical vs. non-classical pathways. Faraday Discussion: Biological Crystallization, 159, 509-523.
Becker, T.S., Dove, J.E. and Dove, P.M. (2013). "Experimental Creep Behavior and Modeling of Silicified Sand." Ground Improvement, Telford, 166(2), 115-124.
Stephenson, A.E., J. Hunter, J.J. De Yoreo, P.M. Dove (2011) Effect of ionic strength of the Mg content of calcite: Toward a physical basis for minor element uptake during step growth. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta.
Dove, J.E., C. Schillaber, C.S. Becker, A.F. Wallace, P.M. Dove (2011) A Biologically Inspired Process for Improving Mechanical Properties of Sand. Jour. Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering. 137, 949-957.
Hamm, L.M., A.F. Wallace, P.M. Dove (2010) Molecular dynamics of ion hydration in the presence of small carboxylated molecules and implications for calcification. Jour. Physical Chemistry B, 114, 10488-10495.
P.M. Dove (2010) The rise of skeletal biominerals. Elements: Mineral Evolution. Mineralogical Society of America, 6, 37-42.
Wallace, A.F., G.V. Gibbs, Dove, P.M. (2010) Influence of ion-associated water on the hydrolysis of Si—O bonded interactions. Journal of Physical Chemistry B, 114, 2534-2542.
De Yoreo, J.J., L. Zepeda-Ruiz, L.E. Wasylenki, S-P. Qiu, G. Gilmer, A. Chernov, P.M. Dove (2009) Revisiting BCF theory through molecular scale insights: Consequences of kink-limited kinetics for growth and inhibition of sparingly soluble crystals. Crystal Growth and Design. 9, 5135-5144.
Wang, D., J.J. De Yoreo, P.M. Dove (2009) Systematic control of biomolecules on magnesium contents in amorphous calcium carbonate: Insights for calcification. Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences. 106: 21511-21516.
Wallace, A.F. J.J. De Yoreo and Dove, P.M. (2009) Kinetics of silica nucleation on carboxyl and amine-terminated surfaces: Insights for biomineralization, Journal of American Chemical Society, 131, 5244-5250.
Gibbs, G.V., A.F. Wallace, D.F. Cox, P.M. Dove, R.T. Downs, N.L. Ross, K.M. Rosso (2009) The role of directed van der Waals bonded interactions in the determination of the structures of molecular arsenate solids. Journal of Physical Chemistry A., 113, 736-749.
Stephenson, A.E., X. Wu, X. Wu, J.D. Hoyer, J.J. De Yoreo and Dove, P.M. (2008) Peptides enhance Mg contents in calcite: Insights to origins of vital effects, Science, 322, 274-277.
Dove, P.M., N. Han, A.F. Wallace, J.J. De Yoreo (2008) Kinetics of amorphous silica dissolution and the paradox of the silica polymorphs. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, v.105, p. 9903-9908.
De Yoreo, J.J., P.M. Dove, A. Wierzbicki, and J.D. Hoyer (2008) Modification of calcium carbonate and calcium oxalate growth morphology and kinetics by carboxyl-rich biomolecules. Jour. Japanese Assoc. Crystal Growth, 35, 24-30.
De Yoreo, J.J., A. Wierzbicki, P.M. Dove (2007) New insights into mechanisms of biomolecular control on growth of inorganic crystals. Crystal Engineering Comm., 9, 1144-1152. (invited article for special issue on biomineralization). (www.rsc.org/delivery/_ArticleLinking/ArticleLinking.cfm?JournalCode=CE&Year=2007&ManuscriptID=b713006f&Iss=Advance_Article)
Lee, J.R.I., T. Yong-Jin Han, T.M. Willey, D. Wang, R.W. Meulenberg, J. Nilsson, P.M. Dove, L.J. Terminello, T. van Buren, J.J. De Yoreo (2007) Structural development of mercaptophenol self-assembled monolayers and the overlying mineral phase during templated CaCO3 crystallization from a transient amorphous film. Jour. American Chemical Society.
Elhadj, S., J.J. De Yoreo, J. Hoyer, P. M. Dove (2006) Role of Molecular Charge and Hydrophilicity in Regulating the Kinetics of Crystal Growth. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 103, 19237-19242.
Elhadj, S., A. Salter, A. Wierzbicki, N. Han, J.J. De Yoreo, P. M. Dove (2006) Peptide controls on calcite mineralization: Polyaspartate chain length affects growth kinetics and acts as a stereochemical switch on morphology. Crystal Growth and Design. 6, 197-201
Dove, P.M., N. Han and J.J. De Yoreo (2005) Classical nucleation theory predicts the dissolution and growth kinetics of quartz and silicate minerals. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 102, 15357-15362.
Dove, P.M. and C.M. Craven (2005) Silica surface charge in alkali chloride solutions reveals roots of ionic specificity. Geochimica Cosmochimica Acta. 69, 4963-4970.
Wasylenki, L.E., P.M. Dove and J.J. DeYoreo (2005) Effects of temperature and transport conditions on calcite growth in the presence of Mg2+: Implications for paleothermometry. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta, 69, 4227-4236.
Wasylenki, L.E., P.M. Dove, D.S. Wilson, and J.J. DeYoreo (2005) Nanoscale effects of Sr on calcite growth: An insitu AFM study in the absence of vital effects. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta. 69, 3017-3027.
De Yoreo, J.J. and P.M. Dove (2004) Shaping crystals with biomolecules. Science, 306, 1301-1302. (invited Perspectives article about effects of magnesium and organics)
Davis, K.J., P.M. Dove, L.E. Wasylenki, J.J. De Yoreo (2004) Morphological consequences of differential Mg2+ incorporation at structurally distinct steps on calcite. American Mineralogist, 89, 714-720.
Karlsson, M. C.M. Craven, P.M. Dove and W.H Casey (2001) Surface charge concentrations on silica in different 1.0 M metal chloride background electrolytes and implications for dissolution rates. Aquatic Geochemistry, 7, p. 13-32.
Orme, C.A., A. Noy, A. Wierzbicki, M.T. McBride, M. Grantham, H.H. Teng, P.M. Dove and J.J. DeYoreo (2001) Selective binding of amino acids to the atomic steps of calcite creates chiral structures. Nature, June 14, 411, p. 775-779.
Davis, K.J., P.M. Dove, and J.J. DeYoreo (2000) The role of magnesium as an impurity in calcite growth. Science, 290, p. 1134-1137.
Icenhower, J.P. and P.M. Dove (2000) The dissolution kinetics of amorphous silica into sodium chloride solutions: Effects of temperature and ionic strength. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 64, 24, p. 4193-4203.
Teng, H.H., P.M. Dove, and J.J. DeYoreo (2000) Kinetics of calcite growth: Surface processes and relationships to macroscopic rate laws. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta. 64, p. 2255-2266.
Wawersik, W.R., J.W. Rudnicki, P. Dove, J. Harris, J.M. Logan, L. Pyrak-Nolte, F.M. Orr, Jr., P.J. Ortoleva, F. Richter, N. R. Warpinski, J.L. Wilson, T.F. Wong (2001) Terrestrial sequestration of CO2: An assessment of research needs. Advances in Geophysics. 43, p. 97-177.
Dove, P.M. (1999) The dissolution kinetics of quartz in dilute salt mixtures. Geochimica Cosmochimica Acta. 63, 3715-3727.
Teng, H.H., P.M. Dove, and J.J. DeYoreo (1999) Reversed calcium carbonate morphologies induced by microscopic growth kinetics: Insight into biomineralization. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta. 63, p. 2507-2512.
Teng, H., P.M. Dove, C.A. Orme and J.J. DeYoreo (1998) Thermodynamics of calcite growth: Baseline for understanding biomineral formation. Science, 274, p. 724-727.
Dove, P.M. and Nix, C. (1997) Role of solvent-surface interactions in the electrolyte catalyzed kinetics of quartz dissolution. Geochimica Cosmochim. Acta 61, p. 3329-3340.
Teng, H. and P.M. Dove (1997) Crystal chemical controls of aspartate in the surface-directed dissolution of calcite: Implications for biomineralization. American Mineralogist 82, p. 878-887. (received MSA Best Paper Award)
Grantham, M.C. and Dove, P.M. and T.J. DiChristina (1997) Biogeochemistry of subsurface environments: Investigation of bacterial effects on iron and aluminum oxyhydroxide coatings. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta. 61, p.4467-4477.
Grantham, M.E. and P.M. Dove (1996) Bacterial-mineral surface interactions: Investigations using Fluid Tapping Mode Atomic Force Microscopy. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 60, p. 2473-2480.
Dove, P.M. and F. M. Platt (1996) Compatible real-time reaction rates of mineral dissolution by Atomic Force Microscopy. Chemical Geology, 127, p. 331-338.
Dove, J.E., J.D. Frost and P.M. Dove (1996) Geomembrane microtopography by Tapping Mode Atomic Force Microsopy. Geosynthetics International. 3, p. 227-245.
Dove, P.M. (1995) Geochemical controls on the kinetics of quartz fracture at subcritical tensile stresses. Journal of Geophysical Research. 100, p. 22,349-22359.
Dove, P.M. and C.A. Czank (1995) Surface chemical controls on the dissolution kinetics of the isostructural sulfates: Barite, celestite and anglesite. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 59, p. 1907-1915.
Gillis, H.P., D.A. Choutov, P.A. Steiner IV, J.D. Piper, J.H. Crouch, Dove, P.M. and K.P. Martin (1995) Low Energy electron-enhanced etching of Si(100) in Hydrogen/Helium DC plasma. Applied Physics Letters. 66, p. 2475-2477.
Dove, P.M. (1994) The dissolution kinetics of quartz in sodium chloride solutions at 25 to 300°C. American Journal of Science, 294, p. 665-712.
Berger, G., E. Cadore, J. Schott and P.M. Dove (1994) Dissolution rate of quartz in Pb and Na electrolyte solutions. Effect of coordination chemistry and reaction affinity. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta. v. 58, p. 541-551.
Dove, P.M. and M.F. Hochella, Jr. (1993) Calcite precipitation mechanisms and inhibition by orthophosphate: In situ observations by scanning force microscopy. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 57, p. 705-714.
Dove, P.M. and S.F. Elston (1992) The low-temperature dissolution kinetics of quartz in sodium chloride solutions: An analysis of existing data and a rate model for 25°C, pH 2-13, 0 - 0.5 m NaCl. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 56, p. 4147-4156.
Dove, P.M. (1992) Reply to Comment on "Kinetics of quartz dissolution in electrolyte solutions using a hydrothermal mixed flow reactor" Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta., 56, p. 4093.
Dove, P.M. and D.A. Crerar (1990) Kinetics of quartz dissolution in electrolyte solutions using a hydrothermal mixed flow reactor. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 54, p. 955-969.
Crerar, D.A., R. Hellmann, P.M. Dove (1988) Dissolution kinetics of albite and quartz in hydrothermal solutions. Chemical Geology, 70, 77-77.
Dove, P.M. and J.D. Rimstidt (1987) Reply to Comment on "The Solubility and Stability of Scorodite, FeAsO4•2H2O". American Mineralogist , 72, p. 669-672.
Rimstidt, J.D. and P.M. Dove (1986) Mineral/solution reaction rates in a mixed flow reactor: Wollastonite hydrolysis. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 50, p. 2509-2516.
Dove, P.M. and J.D. Rimstidt (1985) The solubility and stability of scorodite, FeAsO4•2H2O. American Mineralogist, 70, p. 838-844.
Knight, B.M., K.J. Edgar, J.J. De Yoreo, P.M. Dove (2023) Chitosan as canvas for studies of macromolecular controls on CaCO3 biological crystallization. Biomacromolecules, 24, 1078- 1102. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.biomac.2c01394.
Bañuelos J.L., et al. (2023) Oxide- and Silicate-Water Interfaces and Their Roles in Technology and the Environment. Chemical Reviews, 123, 10, 6413–6544.
2022 International Mineralogical Association Medal for Excellence in Mineralogical Research
2017 Thomas Jefferson Medal for Outstanding Contributions to Natural Science
2014 Dana Medal, Mineralogical Society of America
2014 Hall of Distinction, Virginia Tech College of Science
2013 Governor of Virginia Outstanding Scientist Award
2012 Elected to the National Academy of Sciences
2010 Fellow, Geochemical Society and European Association of Geochemistry
2008 Fellow, American Geophysical Union
2005 DOE Best University Research Award, Analytical & Isotope Geochem. Symposium
2003 Best Poster Award: American Conference on Crystal Growth
2000 Fellow, Mineralogical Society of America
1999 DOE Best University Research Award, Interfacial Processes Symposium
1998 Best Paper Award, Mineralogical Society of America
1996 F.W. Clarke Medal, Geochemical Society
1995 Amoco CETL Junior Faculty Teaching Excellence Award
1994 AMOCO/Class of 1969, Georgia Tech Teaching Fellow
1991 - 1993 Earth Sciences National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship
1991 Carnegie Mellon and Association of Princeton Alumni Award
1989 – 1990 Princeton University Harold W. Dobbs Honorific Graduate Fellowship
1989 Association for Women in Science Predoctoral Award
1989 Eli Lily Women in Science Award