Glenn Wagner

Glenn Wagner is a Senior Behavioral Scientist and Professor at the RAND School of Public Policy. He has over three decades of experience in behavioral health research, with a focus on HIV/AIDS, depression care, treatment adherence, and global health interventions. His work is centered on developing and evaluating behavioral interventions through clinical trials, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East.

• Affiliation: RAND, RAND School of Public Policy
• Expertise: HIV and AIDS, Mental Health Treatment, Behavioral Interventions
• Email: Glenn_Wagner@rand.org

Education

• Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, St. John's University

Glenn Wagner’s research primarily explores the intersection of mental health and HIV, with a strong emphasis on stigma, discrimination, and social determinants of health. His studies often involve community-based and culturally congruent interventions targeting Black and African American populations, as well as key populations in Uganda and Lebanon such as men who have sex with men (MSM) and HIV-affected couples. He has led major studies on ART adherence, depression treatment integration, peer advocacy, and safer conception.

His recent publications show a consistent trend toward evaluating scalable, evidence-based interventions—such as the 'Game Changers' and 'Rise' programs—designed to empower people living with HIV as prevention advocates and improve health outcomes through social networks and behavioral change. His work frequently employs mixed-methods and longitudinal designs to assess mediators and moderators of health behavior.

Scientific Contributions and Recognition

• Over 130 research publications
• Principal investigator on multiple NIH-funded trials
• Leader in global mental health integration with HIV care
• Extensive work in Uganda, Lebanon, and the U.S.

Advising and Grants

While specific students are not listed, Dr. Wagner has led large collaborative research teams such as the Multisite Adherence Collaboration in HIV (MACH14). His work has been supported by major public health grants focusing on adherence, stigma reduction, depression treatment, and prevention among high-risk populations. He emphasizes community engagement and trust-building in research, particularly in stigmatized communities.

Laboratories and Research Teams

Dr. Wagner leads a research group at RAND focused on international health, particularly in Uganda, where he develops and tests behavioral interventions. He collaborates with local clinics and community organizations to implement peer-advocacy and adherence support programs. His team also conducts research in Lebanon, focusing on MSM and transgender populations.