Jennifer K. Wagner

Jennifer K. Wagner is an Assistant Professor of Law, Policy, and Engineering at Penn State University, holding affiliations with Penn State Law, the Department of Biomedical Engineering, the Institute for Computational and Data Sciences, and the Rock Ethics Institute. She is a licensed attorney practicing part-time in Pennsylvania since 2007. Her research focuses on the intersection of law, ethics, and biomedical technologies, particularly addressing the human right to science, genetic/omic technologies, and AI governance in healthcare.

Dr. Wagner earned a PhD in Anthropology (2010) and JD (2007) from Pennsylvania State University and the University of North Carolina, respectively, alongside advanced training in Biomedical Science (2003) and a BA in Anthropology (2002). She has held leadership roles in professional organizations, including chairing the ASHG Social Issues Committee and co-chairing the Ethics Committee for the American Association of Biological Anthropologists.

Her work emphasizes ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of emerging technologies, including synthetic data, facial recognition, and genomic medicine. Over 60 publications have been cited by the U.S. Supreme Court, and her research has been funded by NIH institutes. Notable achievements include her AAAS Science & Engineering Congressional Fellowship, where she advised on judiciary and privacy policies.

Dr. Wagner’s articles highlight trends in AI governance challenges, synthetic data ethics, and genomic privacy. Her awards include recognition for bridging law, engineering, and public health. She actively contributes to policy discussions on data justice, genetic testing in immigration, and equitable access to genomic research.