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| Gary Wells |
As he prepares to place the finishing touches on a 34-year career at Florida Institute of Technology, longtime biological sciences department head Gary Wells could easily acknowledge a long list of points of pride. After all, in 23 years in his current position, he’s put together a dynamic faculty, successfully transitioned into the F.W. Olin Life Sciences Building and hosted the European Space Agency for more than a month as an integral part of the ill-fated Space Shuttle Columbia’s last flight.
None of these accomplishments, or the continual high national rankings his department receives, marks his proudest accomplishment, however.
“What I’m proudest of is my interaction with undergraduate and graduate students,” said Wells. “When they come back and tell you what an impact you had in their lives, that’s what I feel best about. We’re all in this business because of the students.”
Discussing the success of these students as alumni makes Wells proud. He said their success proves the department has earned the national acclaim it has received over the years.
“Most of these rankings are for undergraduate programs. The courses we teach are quite rigorous,” said Wells. “The good students learn a lot and are challenged.”
The difference maker is an emphasis not seen at many other universities.
“We encourage undergraduate research so that when our students leave they are prepared to get a job in the field,” said Wells. “Half of our students go on to graduate school, and the other half are able to get jobs in the biological sciences.”
Teaching and leading these students is a strong faculty, one that Wells has had nearly a complete hand in forming. In hiring all but three of the current biological sciences faculty, Wells said he’s looked for very specific characteristics.
“First, I want to make sure any new faculty member will be a good colleague,” said Wells. “Then, I look for people who are doing research that complements, rather than duplicates, work that’s already being done here. Finally, I want someone who is bright and has great potential both in the classroom and in getting grants and publishing research.”
Wells has done more than bring in strong faculty. Once here, he’s done everything he can to give them room to grow and develop. It’s a characteristic his faculty, including associate professor Julia Grimwade, have come to appreciate.
“Gary’s a different sort of leader in that he’s never put himself in front,” said Grimwade. “Whatever the discussion, it’s not about him, it’s about the department. That’s his great strength as a leader.”
Wells’ leadership abilities really showed when he helped bring the European Space Agency (ESA) on campus in the weeks before and during the final Columbia mission. The mission was a strictly scientific affair, and many biological experiments were carried out on the shuttle by the astronauts while ESA scientists simultaneously conducted the same experiments in the life sciences building.
While Wells said he is still saddened by the loss of Columbia and the potential scientific breakthroughs that were lost with it, he, in typical fashion, reflects on the positive impact the ESA experience had on undergraduate students.
“I was really glad that our undergrads got to be involved,” said Wells. “They were able to see facilities that mirrored those on the Columbia, and they were able to meet great people from ESA, SPACEHAB Florida, Lockheed Martin, United Space Alliance and NASA.”
After more than three decades of service, it’s clear that Wells is ready to move on. The colleagues, students and friends he’ll soon leave behind are not so certain. Grimwade perhaps said it best.
“We will all miss Gary. It’s impossible to imagine the department without him.”
Jay Wilson |
