Cary Funk, Ph.D., is a recognized expert on public trust in science and views on science-related topics such as artificial intelligence, emerging uses of neuroscience and biotechnology, climate, extreme weather, and energy issues.

She is past director of science and society research at Pew Research Center and founding director of a series of national surveys on science and biotechnology at Virginia Commonwealth University.

She has served as a consultant and adviser for numerous projects on public engagement with science as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion issues in the STEM workforce.

Funk began her career at CBS News in New York, where she worked on pre-election surveys and exit polls. She has two decades of experience as an exit poll analyst supporting digital and broadcast coverage on election night at NBC News.

Funk has extensive experience analyzing public opinion on social, political, and policy issues. During her time at Pew Research Center, she worked with research teams covering U.S. and international policy, economic and family trends, racial and ethnic group experiences, religion and public life, as well as science and technology.

Funk held faculty roles in political science at Rice University and Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) where she focused on political psychology and political behavior. At VCU, she taught survey research and evaluation research methods for mid-career professionals in public policy.  

Funk earned a doctorate and a master’s degree in social psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles, as well a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Barnard College, Columbia University.