Christa Wagner

Christa Wagner, PhD is an Assistant Professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin's Institute for Health and Humanity and the Founding Director of the Center for Sustainability, Health, and the Environment. Her career spans both basic science research in genetics and a transition into healthcare policy and environmental sustainability.

Dr. Wagner's research interests focus on two main areas: environmental sustainability in healthcare and genetic disorders related to telomere biology. Her recent work examines the carbon footprint of medical education practices, healthcare delivery systems, and sustainable interventions in clinical settings. Earlier in her career, she published significant research on telomere syndromes, pulmonary fibrosis, and immunodeficiency disorders in high-impact journals.

Her 7 publications from 2011-2025 show a clear transition from basic genetic research to healthcare sustainability, with her most cited work focusing on telomere biology and her most recent work examining environmental impacts of surgical residency interviews. This evolution reflects her broader career trajectory from laboratory scientist to policy-focused academic working at the intersection of medicine and environmental sustainability.

• National Honors Society (2002-2004)
• Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Merit Scholarship (2004)
• Turock Scholar Predoctoral Fellowship, Johns Hopkins University (2014-2016)
• Clinical Immunology Society Travel Award (2016)
• Friends of Pathology Award, Association of Pathology Chairs (2023)

Dr. Wagner serves as Principal Investigator on two active grants totaling over $500,000 focused on healthcare sustainability. She teaches medical students across all four years of curriculum on climate change and health topics. Her background in both laboratory research and science policy informs her current work establishing sustainable healthcare practices and advocating for environmentally conscious medical education and clinical care.

As Founding Director of the Center for Sustainability, Health, and the Environment, Dr. Wagner leads initiatives to reduce the environmental impact of healthcare delivery while maintaining high-quality patient care. The Center serves as a hub for research, education, and policy development around sustainable healthcare practices at MCW and beyond.