Mildred Weeks Wells and her husband, William Firth Wells, were a dynamic duo in the field of aerobiology, the study of airborne microorganisms. Despite their groundbreaking work in proving that infectious pathogens could spread through the air over long distances, they faced opposition from the scientific establishment in the 1930s. Mildred, a self-taught epidemiologist, and William, a sanitary engineer, were seen as outsiders and their findings were ignored for decades. Their research could have potentially saved countless lives from diseases like tuberculosis, SARS, and COVID.
The story of Mildred and William Weeks Wells is one of resilience and determination. Mildred, born in 1891, overcame a traumatic childhood to become one of the three women in her medical school class. She later met William while working at the Public Health Service in Washington, D.C. Their collaboration led to groundbreaking research on airborne infections, challenging the prevailing belief that diseases spread primarily through water, food, or close contact. Despite their efforts, they struggled to gain acceptance within the scientific community.
One of their key discoveries was the use of ultraviolet light to disinfect the air and prevent the spread of airborne diseases. William’s invention of a centrifuge to sample air for germs and Mildred’s epidemiological studies laid the foundation for their groundbreaking work. However, their reputation as difficult personalities and outsiders hindered their recognition and acceptance in the scientific community. Even after conducting experiments in schools and towns to demonstrate the effectiveness of their methods, they faced skepticism and resistance.
Ultimately, Mildred and William’s contributions to aerobiology were overlooked for many years. It wasn’t until the early 2000s, during the SARS epidemic, that their work resurfaced and gained recognition. Today, their research on airborne infections has become increasingly relevant in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the importance of understanding how diseases can spread through the air. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, Mildred and William Weeks Wells left a lasting impact on the field of aerobiology.
