Andy Blunk is an expert in sustainable and urban agriculture, specializing in hydroponics, vertical farming, and circular food systems, with a strong commitment to research, education, and international collaboration to advance innovative agricultural practices.
Experience
Education
Master of Science in Agricultural Plant Science, Pennsylvania State University Master of Science in (Dual-Title) International Agriculture Development, Pennsylvania State University Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, Juniata College
Roles
Founder and co-director, Circular Agriculture Solutions, 2024 Urban Agriculture Consultant, self-run, 2022-24 Agriculture Intensification Project Manager, J&B Agriculture and Female Entrepreneurs Microfinance, Old Jeshwang, Gambia, 2022-24 Horticulture Research Assistant, Penn State University, 2020-22 Farm Co-Owner and Manager, Eighth ‘N Acre LLC, Charlottesville, VA, 2019-20
Courses Taught
Sustainable Agriculture (Lecture and Lab) Advanced Urban Agriculture
Investigation of use of urban organic waste in urban indoor agriculture production to create a more circular urban economy. In 2026, Andy's team is investigating the use of bio-solids as fertilizer in indoor hydroponics vegetable production.
Opportunities to reduce the energy consumption of indoor agriculture. In 2026, Andy's team is actively investigating "dynamic lighting" methods in indoor agriculture to reduce electricity use of LED lights while maintaining typical yields.
Assessment of water quality remote monitoring technologies use in urban aquaponics and hydroponics management. In 2026 Andy's team is investigating various IoT sensors for dissolved oxygen monitoring in aquaponics systems
Development of an exchange program to share best Urban Agriculture practices between D.C. and other urban areas (West Africa, Caribbean). In 2026, Andy developed a spring break study abroad program to West Africa to study urban agriculture, and took the inaugural cohort of UDC students.
Development of DC indoor farming network and incubation program
Impact
Selected Publications
Blunk, A., Lee, M., Johnson, T., Balaguer, R., & Di Gioia, F. (2023). Yield, quality and resource use efficiency of basil grown in alternative soilless growing systems. Acta Horticulturae, 1377, 585–592. https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2023.1377.85
Blunk, A., & Di Gioia, F. (2023). Real-time, on-farm soil monitoring methods for in-season management of fertigation in vegetable crop protected cultivation systems. Acta Horticulturae, 1377, 631–638. https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2023.1377.98
