As the senior dissertation chair at Grand Canyon University, Daniela C. Wagner-Loera, PhD, focuses on mentoring doctoral students and shaping the academic experiences of future leaders. Her dedication to helping students succeed has made a profound impact on their academic journeys. For this dedication, she has been honored by Marquis Who’s Who with inclusion in its prestigious biographical listing.
A Passion for Mentorship and Dissertation Leadership
Dr. Wagner-Loera has spent more than 15 years in education, focusing primarily on dissertation coaching, faculty development, and cognitive psychology in communication. Since 2019, she has served as the senior dissertation chair at Grand Canyon University, where she has mentored more than 25 students through the dissertation process.
In her role, Dr. Wagner-Loera supports her students in all stages of their dissertations, from selecting research topics to conducting data analysis. Her ability to build strong relationships with her students has led to a high graduation rate, including the successful completion of 10 students in 2024 alone. She guides approximately 22 students each year to reach the final stages of their academic journey.
Forward-Looking Faculty Development at the University of Maryland
In addition to her work at Grand Canyon University, Dr. Wagner-Loera has been an adjunct professor at the University of Maryland Global Campus since 2017. At the university, she focuses on faculty development and tailoring instruction to meet the diverse needs of learners. Her work on improving communication and enhancing growth among faculty members has made her an invaluable asset to the academic community.
Dr. Wagner-Loera is passionate about helping her colleagues enhance their teaching methods, and her leadership in these initiatives has had a lasting impact on the institution.
A Career Shaped by Personal Growth and Dedication to Education
Dr. Wagner-Loera’s academic journey is a reflection of her passion for education and personal growth. She earned a doctoral degree in cognition and instruction from Grand Canyon University in 2016, following her master’s degree in applied linguistics and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from Hawaii Pacific University.
Currently, Dr. Wagner-Loera is working toward certification in artificial intelligence (AI). She believes AI can revolutionize education by enhancing how students learn. Her commitment to personal and professional growth highlights her dedication to making a difference in her students’ lives.
Recognized for Excellence in Teaching and Service
Throughout her career, Dr. Wagner-Loera has received multiple awards for her teaching excellence and dedication to student success. In 2024, she was honored with the Outstanding Faculty Award from the University of Maryland Global Campus. She previously received the Outstanding Teaching Award from Global Village in 2008.
Dr. Wagner-Loera credits her success to her deep passion for teaching and her ability to guide students toward achieving their goals. She places great emphasis on encouraging students to grow from within, as she believes that individual development is key.
A Commitment to Community and Future Aspirations
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Dr. Wagner-Loera remains actively involved in her community. She volunteers with local clubs and has served on the advisory council for a school.
Looking ahead, Dr. Wagner-Loera aims to transition into an assistant chair position at Grand Canyon University. She plans to help train other supervisors and contribute to the university’s global initiatives. She also intends to shape the future of education further by supporting strategic efforts at the University of Maryland Global Campus.
