... Regents Professor Emeritus of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics and founder of UBRP, died May 23, 2006. Dr. Wells had a distinguished career at the University of Arizona. His research interests included regulation of gene expression in the mosquito midgut after a blood meal; regulation of amino acid and energy metabolism in the mosquito; and lipoprotein and lipid metabolism in insects. In 1988 he founded the Undergraduate Biology Research Program (UBRP) as an inclusive program designed to provide biologically related research experience to undergraduate students. The program started with 19 students working in the laboratories of 13 faculty members who were drawn from six departments. The program has grown to include 140 students a year who can chose to work with scientists in any of 43 departments and six off campus units. Dr Wells was also instrumental in the development and implementation of the Manduca Project, an outreach program that brought science activities to thousands of elementary school children. Dr. Wells was a mentor to many, and we will miss his wise counsel.

An endowment has been established in Dr. Wells's name to support undergraduate research in biochemistry and molecular biophysics. To contribute please send checks payable to the University of Arizona, Attention: Dr. Thomas Baldwin, Head, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, University of Arizona, P.O. Box 210088, Tucson, AZ 85721-0088.