AGA NLT 2026

Andrew Funk
Program Manager
USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture


Andrew Funk is the program manager for the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Grants Modernization Initiative. Since 2023, he has helped lead Agency grants modernization efforts by shaping vision and strategy, coordinating cross‑functional efforts, managing process development and training, and implementing change management. In 2025 he helped launch pilot programs to move the Agency’s grants management into a modern, shared system. These efforts are laying the groundwork to improve efficiency, effectiveness, accountability, and oversight across the grants management lifecycle. Andrew first served at USDA from 2009-2012 supporting strawberry genetics research in Beltsville, MD. After leaving to pursue doctoral degree in plant science, he spent time in undergraduate education at Carthage College in Wisconsin. He joined USDA-NIFA in 2021 to support grant programs related to plant genetics prior to accepting his current role. Andrew earned his PhD in Plant Breeding, Genetics, and Biotechnology from Michigan State University in 2019. He also holds a Master of Science degree in Plant Pathology (2009) and a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology and Cell Science (2006), both from the University of Florida.

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