Mildred W. Wells

Mildred W. Wells (c. October 1, 1891 – 23 February 1957), born Mildred Washington Weeks, was an American scientist and public health researcher who is best known for her work on the transmission of airborne disease. A trained physician and a critical collaborator with her husband, William Firth Wells, she played a foundational role in developing the science behind droplet and aerosol behavior, now central to understanding the spread of respiratory infections like measles and tuberculosis. Her research into indoor air quality, ventilation, and germicidal ultraviolet light helped establish modern approaches to infection control. Relative to husband, her contributions to aerobiology and infection control are historically under-recognized, however she is increasingly acknowledged as an equally key figure in the development of both of these fields.