His current research is two-fold. In one project, he focuses on the design and synthesis of small molecules that target the retinoid-X-receptor, a central nuclear receptor for which synthetic agonists have proven to be effective in the treatment of various forms of human cancers. In the second project, Wagner works on the design and construction of triarylamines with potential applications as hole transport materials in photonic devices. Several undergraduate students actively participate in these research projects each semester.

Additionally, understanding how students learn chemistry and developing more effective methods for teaching organic chemistry, both in lecture and laboratory classes, are top priorities for Wagmer. To this end, he continues to develop and assess new teaching tools and laboratory experiments with the help of his colleagues. Since the West campus has recently acquired a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer, he will be developing a laboratory experiment that will introduce undergraduates to this vital instrument for organic chemists.