Michael Cunningham

Background

About Michael Cunningham

Research program: My research group at Queen’s University focusses on the development of novel, sustainably-sourced polymeric materials including functional polymer colloids (nanoparticles), CO2-switchable materials, and hybrids of synthetic and natural polymers. RDRP (Reversible Deactivation Radical Polymerization), or controlled/living radical polymerization, is used extensively to provide precise control of the polymer properties. The unifying theme of my group’s activities is to reduce the environmental impact of commonly used materials using a variety of strategies that include: 1. Replacing processes that have traditionally used harmful organic solvents with processes that instead use water; 2. Developing new stimuli-responsive CO2-switchable materials that yield new advantageous properties and reduced environmental impact; and 3. Designing new hybrid materials incorporating natural polymers such as cellulose nanocrystals, chitosan or starch to reduce the consumption of synthetic (petroleum-based) polymers. Brief Biography: Dr. Cunningham is a Professor in Chemical Engineering at Queen’s University with a cross appointment to the Department of Chemistry. His research program focusses on the development of novel, sustainably-sourced polymeric materials including functional polymer nanoparticles, hybrids of synthetic polymers and renewable polymers, and CO2-switchable materials. He is Chair of the International Polymer Colloids Group and recipient of several national research awards including the NSERC Brockhouse Canada Prize for Interdisciplinary Research in Science and Engineering, Macromolecular Science and Engineering Award, Canadian Green Chemistry and Engineering Award, and the Syncrude Canada Innovation Award, as well as the Queen’s University Prize for Excellence in Research and the Professional Engineer’s Ontario Research and Development Medal. He is a Fellow of the Chemical Institute of Canada, Canadian Academy of Engineering and Engineering Institute of Canada. He actively consults with industry, and is Vice-President of the Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering.