Dr. Richard Derksen

In this role, he provides a wide range of administrative and budget leadership for the Office and supervises/mentors fellows. Dr. Derksen supports the Chief Scientist in leading collaboration activities for science programs that support scientific excellence, innovation, and capacity to achieve USDA’s mission. He provides direction and leadership on a wide range of issues affecting programs in agricultural research, education, and economics.

Dr. Derksen has over 25 years of engineering research experience. He is an internationally recognized expert in crop production and protection engineering. Dr. Derksen began his career at USDA in 1996 when he joined the Agricultural Research Service as a research scientist. He has authored over 200 publications, including 78 peer-reviewed journal manuscripts, and given numerous invited presentations at national and international scientific meetings. Dr. Derksen received his Master of Science and Ph.D. degrees in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Illinois. He received his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering from Purdue University. He previously held a faculty research and extension appointment at Cornell University. Dr. Derksen is originally from Indiana and has engaged in his local communities as a 4-H advisor, neighborhood association leader, and substitute teacher.