She completed her PhD in the area of Comparative Biomedical Sciences and Microbiology. Dr. Cunningham has performed research in areas of: Salmonella invasion gene expression, Chlamydia invasion and prostate cancer. Dr. Cunningham’s current research focuses on identifying common interventions associated with successful STEM student development in higher education for underrepresented students. She recently completed a book chapter on the Impact of a STEM Capstone Course in HBCU in the Diversity of Higher Education (December 2015). Dr. Cunningham’s passion for science and teaching was recognized when she was selected by North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences as an Educator of Excellence in 2015.