Title: Retired Statistician
Company: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Location: Silver Spring, Maryland, United States
Michael R. Wells, Retired Statistician at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Scientists for dedication, achievements and leadership in Statistics and Public Service.
Throughout a career spanning more than three and a half decades, Mr. Wells distinguished himself as a steadfast contributor to the field of statistics within the federal government. His tenure at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs began in 1977 after he secured a civil service position following the completion of his graduate studies. The application process was extensive, taking nearly two years to finalize after he submitted the standard government form while still a graduate student. Once appointed as a statistician, Mr. Wells committed himself to serving veterans and their families for 35 years until his retirement.
In his role at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Mr. Wells was responsible for receiving phone calls and responding to letters from individuals seeking statistical information about disabled veterans and those utilizing education benefits. He diligently researched requested data to ensure accuracy in his responses, drafted correspondence on behalf of supervisors and acted as a primary point of contact for follow-up questions. Over time, Mr. Wells became known for his ability to connect people with the appropriate sources of information, a skill he considers his most notable professional achievement. He recounted memorable experiences assisting prominent individuals, such as commentator Les Kinsaving and veteran Pat Brady, clarifying important statistics and dispelling misinformation regarding veterans’ issues.
Before joining the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Mr. Wells spent over a year employed by EG&G Mason, a company that held a contract with the National Institutes of Health. His work there primarily focused on coding datasets related to viral oncology research. In mid-1977, Mr. Wells secured a position as a data analyst, a role in which he continued to contribute for the remainder of his professional career.
Earlier, Mr. Wells gained valuable experience in various roles in retail. He also worked at his local United States Postal Service, further developing his work ethic and attention to detail. Additionally, Mr. Wells had the opportunity to briefly work at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in the department of medicinal chemistry before returning to college for his advanced degree.
Mr. Wells’ professional journey also included four years of service as an electroencephalograph technician in the U.S. Navy following his undergraduate studies. His time in the military provided him with technical skills and instilled a sense of direction that ultimately guided him toward civil service.
Academically, Mr. Wells earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Western Maryland College, now McDaniel College, in Westminster, Maryland, in 1970, providing a strong foundation in life sciences that informed both his military service and subsequent roles. In 1976, he acquired a master’s degree in biostatistics from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. This credential equipped him with advanced analytical skills essential for his work at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Memberships in industry-related organizations have further enriched Mr. Wells’ career. He is currently affiliated with the American Association for the Advancement of Science and Ancestry, reflecting both his scientific interests and passion for genealogy. Mr. Wells has also demonstrated civic-mindedness through contributions to charity organizations and sponsorship with ChildFund International, underscoring his dedication to improving lives beyond his immediate field.
Mr. Wells’ commitment to excellence was recognized through several plaques awarded by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, with one plaque presented upon his retirement holding particular significance as it reflected appreciation for his work and acknowledged the many individuals for whom he was instrumental in helping achieve their goals.
Throughout his career, Mr. Wells had adapted to technological advancements that transformed his work processes, from relying on photocopying and mailing documents early on to mastering Excel for data management and embracing email communication as it became available. These innovations enabled him to streamline tasks and enhance efficiency in serving veterans’ needs. Looking ahead, Mr. Wells intends to further explore genealogy, human genetics and animal phylogeny, continuing a lifelong commitment to learning. He hopes to be remembered for contributing meaningfully to society’s knowledge base and well-being through diligent effort and genuine care for others’ needs, a legacy built not on singular events but on consistent dedication across decades of service.
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