Contact & CV
CURRENT CONTACT INFORMATION
Email: cunninghamd@cwu.edu
Education & Certification:
M.S. in Geology, expected Spring 2024
Central Washington University, Department of Geological Sciences
Thesis: Timescales of magma storage and eruption processes of the Sulphur Creek lava, Koma Kulshan, WA
Advisor: Dr. Hannah Shamloo, Committee: S. DeBari, K. Walowski, C. Mattinson
B.S. in Geology, 2022
Mississippi State University, Department of Geosciences
Minor: Mathematics
Thesis: Effect of Folds on Thrust Fault Zones Connectivity and Permeability
Research Advisor: Dr. Kelsey Crane
ASBOG FG – passed October 2021, eligible for GIT certification
Research Experience:
Graduate Research Assistant, 2022 – Present
Department of Geological Sciences, Central Washington University
Timescales of magma storage and eruption processes of the Sulphur Creek lava, Koma Kulshan, WA
Field analysis, chemical analysis, and python modeling to provide timescales on magma storage processes and duration of the eruption initiation period of the Sulphur Creek lavas at Koma Kulshan, WA.
Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2019 – 2022
Department of Geosciences, Mississippi State University
Effects of Fractures in Fold-Related Thrust Fault Zones
Using collected field images and measurements to create 3D-models using Agisoft Metashape. Exported models to ArcGIS Map and MOVE to, respectively, create line density maps and run a Density Fracture Network (DFN) to provide lateral and vertical analysis of changes in fracture intensity, connectivity, and permeability from the hanging wall to the footwall in thrust fault zones.
Publications In Preparation:
Cunningham, D. and Crane, K. (in prep) Effects of fractures in fold-related thrust fault zones. To be submitted in the Journal of Structural Geology.
Peer-Reviewed Publication:
Crane, K., Bohanon, A., Rich, J., McCullough, L., & Cunningham, D. (2022). Flash flooding on Mars could be linked to large fault slip events. The Leading Edge, 41(10), 709-717.
Professional Presentations:
Cunningham, D. and Crane, K. (2021). Effects of Fractures in Fold-Related Fault Zones. GSA Connects Annual Meeting Abstract 188 – 30, Portland, OR.
Cunningham, D. and Crane, K. (2020). Structural analyses of fold-related thrust fault zones, Ocoee, TN. Spring Undergraduate Research Symposium Abstract 133, Mississippi State, MS.
Field Experience:
2022
Entiat, WA. Gathered structural data from an emplaced andesite unite and the surrounding Swakane Gneiss to create the class geologic map of the area. Gathered samples of potential crustal and mantle xenoliths to further determine the mode of emplacement of the andesite unit.
Koma Kulshan, WA. Gathered samples from Sulphur Creek lava flow for chemical analysis for graduate thesis.
Starkville, MS. Planned, led, and conducted multiple weeks of field work to gather erosion and pollution data from local cemeteries for a community outreach project.
2021
NE New Mexico; SE Colorado. Gained and practiced skills in field survival and field mapping of faults, fold, sedimentary basins, and igneous features within the Raton Basin.
2020
Meridian, MS; Warrior and Tuscaloosa, AL. Gathered structural and sedimentological data for field mapping and cross sections.
2019
Chattanooga, Ocoee, and Dunlap, TN. Planned, led and conducted multiple weeks of field work for undergraduate research assistantship.
Skills:
Computer Skills
Office and Google Drive Suites
MOVE Structural Geology Suites
Agisoft Metashape Suites
Nikon Suites
Mancos and Field Move
Adobe Illustrator
Geographical Information System (ArcGIS Pro and Map)
AZTEC software for SEM
Python coding language
Laboratory Skills
Understand basic geologic, structural, and planetary maps.
Produce geologic maps of Earth and other planets with balanced cross sections.
Take field notes, measurements, photos, and sketches.
Identify minerals composition and rock properties in hand sample and thin section using petrographic microscopes.
Use SEM, EPMA, and LA-ICP-MS to collect chemical data of metamorphic and igneous samples.
Community Outreach:
2021 – 2022
Work with the City of Starkville and the J.L. King Center to educate the local community about erosion and pollution issues in the surrounding cemeteries and ways to help solve these problems. This outreach included:
Presenting a poster and lecture to an afterschool program at the J. L. King Center
Creating a “Local Cemeteries” section within an ArcGIS StoryMap that includes all projects focused on community engagement for that year.
Mentoring & Teaching:
Mentoring:
Mentoring CWU undergraduate students in research group (CHIVES), 2022 – Present
Co-planning Summer Research Experience at Koma Kulshan, WA for non-major undergraduate students from indigenous communities across WA, 2022 – Present
Invited Lecturer:
Introduction to the Cascade Volcanoes, Volcanoes of the USA (GEOL 184), 2022, Central Washington University
Tutoring:
Geology:
Structural Geology (GG 4413), 2020 – 2022, Mississippi State University
Earth Science I (GG 1113), 2020 – 2022, Mississippi State University
Mathematics:
Calculus I and II (MA 1713 and 1723), 2020 – 2022, Mississippi State University
Deferential Equations (MA 3253), 2020 – 2022, Mississippi State University
Grants:
GSA Graduate Student Research Grant, 2023 | $2,000
Graduate Student Research Support Award, Central Washington University, 2023 | $1,000
GSA Southeastern Section Grant, 2021 | $200
Department of Geosciences Undergraduate Travel Grant, Mississippi State University, 2021 | $500
ORED Undergraduate Research Grant, Mississippi State University, 2020 | $2,000
Honors and Awards:
- Puget Sound Graduate Student Fellowship, 2022 – 2023
- Diane Shook Memorial Endowed Scholarship, 2021 – 2022
- Gordon W. Gulmon Memorial Scholarship, 2021
- George H. Bishop Endowed Scholarship in Geology, 2020
- Ronald Greeley Memorial Endowed Scholarship, 2018 – 2019