Education
B.S. - 1983 University of California, Davis, Agricultural Engineering
M.S. - 1985 University of California, Davis, Food Process Engineering
Engr.D. - 1987 University of California, Davis, Food Process Engineering

Professional Activities
Member of Institute of Biological Engineering, Institute of Food Technology, American Society of Agricultural Engineering, and American Society of Engineering Education.

Research Interests
My research interests include analysis of integrated packaging, storage, and distribution systems for perishable foods. Mathematical modeling and systems analysis are tools that can be used to investigate interrelationships among food quality, packaging material, and storage conditions, For instance, characterization of the microbial/biochemical reactions in food in response to headspace and pressure conditions within a controlled micro-environment of an instrumented package can yield important design parameters for packaging systems that include modified atmospheres. Similarly, examination of packaging system response to surrounding macro-environment conditions such as temperature and vibration complete the necessary detail understanding necessary of storage and distribution of foods. Integrated packaging strategies including proper food formulation, in-package atmosphere, package materials and container selection, and inventory management protocol are necessary for successful development of products destined for export.

Representative Publications
Ozer, E., J.H. Wells, K.W. McMillin, C. Ho, N Huang. DGM approach to modeling, optimization and control of dynamic modified atmosphere packaging systems. J. Food Proc. Engin. (In Press)

Zhao, Y., J.H. Wells. 1995. Method for measuring CO2 absorption in CO2 and N2 packaged fresh meat. J. Food Proc. Engin. 18(1995):383-395.

Zhao, Y., J.H. Wells, K.W. McMillin. 1995. Dynamic changes of head space gasses in CO2 and N2 packaged fresh beef. J. Food Sci.60(3)571-575,591.

Zhao, Y., J.H. Wells, K.W. McMillin. 1994. Application of dynamic modified atmosphere packaging system for fresh red meats: Review J.Muscle Foods 5(1994):299-328.

Wells, J.H., R.P. Singh. 1992. The application of time-temperature indicator technology to food quality monitoring and perishable inventory management. In Mathematical Modelling of Food Processing Operations, (S. Thorne, ed.) Ch. 7,
pp. 271, Elsevier Sci. Publisher, Essex, U.K.

Zhao, Y., J.H. Wells, D.L. Marshall. 1992. Description of log phase growth for selected microorganisms during modified atmosphere storage. J. Food Proc. Engin. 12(1992):299-317.

Wells, J.H. K.W. McMillin. 1990. Dynamic packaging systems for fresh meats. FPEI News 24(2):6-7 .

Marshall, D.L., P.L. Wiese-Lehigh, J.H. Wells, A.J. Farr. 1990. Comparative growth of Listeria monocytogenes and Pseudomonas fluorescens on precooked chicken nuggets stored under modified atmospheres. J. Food Prot. 54:841-843, 851 .

Wells, J.H., R.P. Singh. 1989. A quality-based inventory issue policy for perishable foods. J. Food Process. Preserv. 12:271-292.

Wells, J.H., R.P. Singh. 1988. A kinetic approach to food quality prediction using full-history time-temperature indicators. J. Food Sci.53:1866-1871, 1893.

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