Dr. Rachel Wagner

Education

• Ph.D., The Pennsylvania State University
• M.S., Virginia Tech University
• B.S., Virginia Tech University

Biography

Dr. Rachel Wagner was raised in Richmond, VA. She received her Ph.D. in environmental engineering from Penn State in 2012. She received her B.S. in biology and M.S. in biological systems engineering from Virginia Tech. Dr. Wagner's research interests are in waste management solutions. Her primary research is in bioelectrochemical systems, including microbial fuel cells, which convert waste organic matter to electricity through the metabolic process of microorganisms. She also works on questions of solid waste management. She enjoys teaching and mentoring through research and outreach. Dr. Wagner served in the Peace Corps in Belize from 2004-2006 with her husband Aaron. She works with the Society of Women Engineers at SFU, as well as the Environmental Action Society. Rachel is active with the Lake Glendale Sailing Club, Full Basket Belize, and she loves camping, hiking, reading, and biking with her family. She has two children, one dog, and a garden.

Courses Taught 

• Environmental Engineering Seminar, ENVE 192-492, 193-493 
• Introduction to Engineering, ENGR 101 
• Freshman Seminar: Environmental Justice Informed by GIS and Mapping, CORE 113 
• Fundamentals of Environmental Engineering: Aquatic and Atmospheric Chemistry, ENVE 311 
• Fundamentals of Environmental Engineering: Transport Processes, ENVE 312 
• Environmental Biotechnology + Lab, ENVE 350 
• Environmental Measurements I + Lab, ENVE 321 
• Environmental Measurements II + Lab, ENVE 322 
• Geology for Engineers, ENVE 412 
• Hazardous Materials Engineering, ENVE 414 
• Energy Conversion Engineering I: Mechanical and Nuclear Methods, ENVE 421 
• Energy Conversion Engineering II: Electro-Chemical Methods, ENVE 422 
• Appropriate Technologies for Developing Countries, ENVE 423 
• Special topics: Environmental Biotechnology – Tools for Research, ENVE 491 
• Senior Lab, ENVE 415 
• Capstone Design, ENVE 499 University and Community Service 
• National Eclipse Balloon Project team mentor, January 2023 – present 
• Environmental Action Society, Saint Francis University, co-advisor, 2021 – present 
• Society of Women Engineers, Saint Francis University, founding advisor, 2021 – present 
• Summer STEAM Academies Director, Saint Francis University, 2021 – present 
• Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors (AEESP), Environmental Engineering Program Leads Committee, 2021 – present 
• Visiting Faculty, Saint Francis University Study Abroad in France program, Fall 2019 
• Faculty Senate, School of Sciences/School of STEAM representative; Saint Francis University, Fall 2018 – present 
• Faculty Senate, Committee on Committees, Fall 2021 – present 
• ETHOS-SFU director; Saint Francis University. Through a partnership with Engineers in Technical Humanitarian Opportunities of Service Learning (ETHOS) at the University of Dayton 
• General Education Committee, School of Sciences Representative; Saint Francis University, Fall 2015 – 2020 
• Hiring Committees (15 committees from 2013 – 2019) 
• Lake Glendale Sailing Club Treasurer, 2021 – present 
• Full Basket Belize Board of Directors, summer 2023 – present 
• Girl Scout co-Leader, Troop 46985, Hollidaysburg, PA, 9/2017 – 2019; Troop 749, Blacksburg, VA, 9/00-5/04.