Dr. Cunningham has developed a cross-disciplinary research program in Hydrodynamics and Microbial Process Engineering. He currently serves as Coordinator for education and industrially sponsored research in the Center for Biofilm Engineering. Areas of interest include bioremediation of ground water and soil, microbial fouling in closed conduits, biofilm regrowth in drinking water systems, and microbial product souring in oil bearing formations. Current research sponsors include NSF, EPA, DOE and industrial consortia including MSE Technology Applications Inc., Pacific Northwest National Lab, and Saline Water Conversion Company. Dr. Cunningham has developed a graduate-level projects course, which investigates environmental and related microbial process problems of concern to industry.
Industrial participants provide suitable project and progress reviews.