Education
Ph.D.,
M.S. Washington State University.
B.A. University of Washington.
Research Areas
Dr. Wells ' research concerns the development of new genotyping methods and statistical analyses for forensic biology and insect evolution. Current research projects include 1) novel protocols for human identity and paternity testing, 2) population genetics of forensically important insects, 3) biosystematics of the fly superfamily Oestroidea, and 3) statistical methods for estimating time of death. Most of our research concerns the biology and forensic science applications of carrion-feeding insects. Some of these species may have evolved quite rapidly in response to human modification of the environment, and we are investigating this with a combination of molecular systematics and evo-devo approaches. The population genetic structure of these insects is little known, so we conduct population genetic surveys aimed at several questions. The chief forensic science utility of carrion insects is in estimating time of death. We develop statistical methods for placing a probability on a time-since-death estimate using insects alone or in combination with other types of postmortem decay data.
Selected Publications
- Phylogenomics and the evolution of larval feeding habits in the blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae).Systematic Entomology 51:e70018 (2026)
- Make case reports required and legal documents. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (USA).122:e2406456122 (2025)
- Unraveling forensic timelines using molecular markers inPhormia regina PLOS Genetics 21:e1011948 (2025)
- Forensic entomology when the evidence is “no insect.” Best carrion fly species for predicting maximum postmortem interval in the United Arab Emirates. Forensic Science International. 321:110999 (2021)
- A forensic entomological analysis can yield an estimate of postmortem interval, and not just a minimum postmortem interval: an explanation and illustration using a case. Journal of Forensic Sciences 64:634-637 (2019)