Christopher Wagner

Dr. Christopher Wagner is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), with over 20 publications and $10 million in competitive research funding secured as Principal Investigator. His career spans 14 years in medical device industry R&D prior to academia.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Rice University (1997)
• B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering, University of Rochester (1991)
• Certificates in Biomedical Engineering and Management Studies, University of Rochester (1991)

Research Interests:

• Mechanical stimulation effects on cellular differentiation
• Native tissue bioscaffolds for regenerative medicine
• Tissue engineering of mechanically sensitive tissues (e.g., tendons, ligaments)
• Biomechanics of orthopedic injuries and repairs
• Medical device development for tissue regeneration
• Extracellular matrix (ECM) applications in wound healing

Publication Trends: His recent work focuses on nanofiber-based tissue scaffolds, bioreactor design for tendon/ligament regeneration, and mechanotransduction in stem cells. Earlier studies explore ACL biomechanics, freeze-dried biological materials, and platelet-rich plasma therapies.

Scientific Awards:

• Faculty of the Month, Inter-Greek Council (2013)

Grants and Collaborative Work: Major funding from U.S. Department of Defense for dermal matrix research, orthopedic tissue regeneration, and red blood cell stabilization. Collaborated with organizations like Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) and VentureWell as a design competition judge.

Leadership and Service: Served as Chair/Interim Chair of the BME Department since 2016, participated in curriculum development, strategic planning, and academic governance committees at TCNJ.