Michael L. Pace

Michael L. Pace is the W. W. Corcoran Professor of Natural History and Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of Virginia. He is based in Clark Hall and leads research in aquatic ecosystem ecology across lakes, rivers, and coastal systems.

• Institution: University of Virginia
• School: College of Arts and Sciences
• Department: Department of Environmental Sciences
• Academic Rank: Professor
• Email: pacem@virginia.edu
• Phone: 434-924-6541
• Office: 206 Clark Hall
• Lab Website: Pace Aquatic Ecology Lab

Dr. Pace earned his Ph.D. from the University of Georgia in 1981 and has since become a leading figure in aquatic ecology, with research spanning food webs, biogeochemistry, and ecosystem resilience.

• Ph.D., University of Georgia, 1981

His research focuses on understanding the structure and function of aquatic ecosystems, particularly how they respond to disturbances such as invasive species, nutrient loading, and climate change. Key areas include regime shifts in lakes, the role of terrestrial organic matter in freshwater food webs, and the long-term ecological impacts of zebra mussel invasions. The Pace Lab conducts fieldwork in the Northern Highland Lake District (Wisconsin/Michigan), Central Virginia reservoirs, and coastal lagoons of Virginia’s Eastern Shore. Current projects examine leading indicators of ecosystem collapse and harmful algal blooms.

While specific publications are available via Google Scholar, the body of work reflects strong interdisciplinary engagement in ecosystem science, with recurring themes in energy flow, elemental cycling, and ecological thresholds. His research integrates whole-lake manipulations and long-term monitoring to detect early warning signals of environmental change.

Dr. Pace has been recognized with the prestigious W. W. Corcoran Professorship in Natural History, highlighting his contributions to ecological science.

• W. W. Corcoran Professor of Natural History

As Director of Graduate Studies, he plays a key role in shaping graduate education within the department. He teaches advanced courses including Ecosystem Ecology (EVSC 4250/7559) and Limnology (EVSC 4290/7290), emphasizing energy flow, nutrient cycling, and human impacts on inland waters. Although the lab is not currently accepting new graduate students, he has a strong history of mentorship and academic leadership.

The Pace Aquatic Ecology Lab fosters collaborative, field-based research that bridges theoretical and applied ecology. The lab maintains active partnerships with regional and national environmental programs and contributes to understanding the sustainability of aquatic resources under global change pressures.