Makeela J. Wells

Dr. Makeela J. Wells is an Assistant Professor of Sociology at Auburn University's Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work. She holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from Mississippi State University, an M.A. in Criminology and Justice Services from Jackson State University, and a B.S. in Criminal Justice from the University of Mississippi.

Her research focuses on federal sentencing policy, particularly the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010's impact on crack and powder cocaine sentencing. She also investigates risk perceptions among law enforcement and correctional officers, aiming to improve workplace safety. Her work has been published in journals like American Journal of Criminal Justice and Feminist Criminology. Recently, she explores digital and visual literacy in sociology and criminology education.

Dr. Wells teaches courses such as Crime and Justice in America, Police and Society, and Social Inequalities, emphasizing critical thinking and intersectional analysis. Her pedagogical approach integrates research methods to empower students as agents of positive change in diverse communities.

Notable research includes studies on prison experiences of military veterans and citation patterns in criminology journals. Though no awards or grants are listed, her work bridges academia and practical criminal justice reform.