Erika Wagner PhD
About Erika Wagner PhD
Erika Wagner, PhD, is the Senior Director of Emerging Market Development at Blue Origin, with a robust background in aerospace and biomedical engineering.
Company
Erika Wagner is currently working at BLUE ORIGIN, where she serves as the Senior Director of Emerging Market Development. BLUE ORIGIN, based in Kent, Washington, is a prominent aerospace manufacturer and spaceflight services company. Wagner has been with BLUE ORIGIN since 2012, holding multiple roles including Business Development Manager and Payload Sales Director, demonstrating her extensive experience and commitment to advancing space exploration and commercial spaceflight.
Title
Erika Wagner holds the position of Senior Director of Emerging Market Development at BLUE ORIGIN. She has played a significant role in developing sales, government relations, and communications strategies for the Orbital Reef commercial space station. Her current role involves identifying and cultivating new markets for BLUE ORIGIN's innovative space technologies.
Education and Expertise
Erika Wagner has an extensive academic background, including a PhD in Health Sciences and Technology from Harvard/MIT. She also holds dual Master's degrees in Aeronautics & Astronautics and Aerospace/Biomedical Engineering from MIT, and a Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering from Vanderbilt University. Additionally, Wagner has studied at the International Space University and Singularity University, acquiring specialized knowledge in space life sciences and executive leadership, respectively. Her research expertise covers vestibular physiology, bone biomechanics, organizational innovation, and prize theory, making her a well-rounded expert in both aerospace and biomedical engineering.
Professional Background
Erika Wagner’s professional background includes key roles at various organizations. Prior to her current role at BLUE ORIGIN, she served as the Payload Sales Director and Business Development Manager at the same company. Wagner has also been affiliated with educational and innovative institutions like the International Space University, where she was part of the Executive Space Course-USA Local Organizing Committee, and the X PRIZE Foundation, where she contributed as Senior Director of Exploration Prize Development and Executive Director of the X PRIZE Lab at MIT. She has also taught as an Affiliate Instructor at the University of Washington.
Achievements
Erika Wagner has achieved significant milestones throughout her career. She built the X PRIZE Lab at MIT from the ground up, focusing on innovation incentives. Wagner’s interdisciplinary expertise in aerospace and biomedical engineering has enabled her to contribute to cutting-edge research in vestibular physiology and bone biomechanics. She is also passionate about human spaceflight, utilizing her expertise to drive initiatives that promote research, education, and the arts. Wagner is a well-known speaker on topics such as commercial spaceflight, innovation, and STEM/STEAM, and has presented at notable events including the White House Frontiers Conference and TEDxRainier.