Geoff Cunningham is a Senior Lecturer (Education) in the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Queen’s University Belfast. He was awarded a PhD in Internal Combustion Engines from Queen’s in 1996 and joined the academic staff in 1998. A Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, he served as Director of Education for Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering for nine years, during which he shaped much of the School’s current educational provision.

Dr Cunningham’s research spans vehicle powertrain development and the scholarship of engineering education. Over a thirty-year period, he contributed to advances in internal combustion, hybrid, and electric powertrains, and has served as co-investigator on several UKRI-funded projects focused on hybrid and electric bus propulsion systems.

His current research focuses exclusively on engineering education, examining how authentic, practice-based learning experiences enhance students’ preparedness for professional practice. This includes design–build–test projects, collaborative learning environments, and curricular structures that integrate theory with real-world application. He is particularly interested in the role of student communities and extracurricular engagement in fostering motivation, professional identity, and long-term development.

As founder and academic lead of the Queen’s Formula Student team, he uses the motorsport competition as a living laboratory to explore experiential learning, teamwork, and leadership development.

PhD Students

Current Administrative Roles
Lead, Advancing Engineering Education Research Group (2025-Present)
Co-lead, School Special Project Group (2025-Present)
Chair, School Health and Safety Committee (2023-Present)
University Enterprise Forum (2018-Present)
Founder and Academic Lead, Queen’s Formula Student Team (1999-Present)

Past Administrative Roles (School)
Director of Education, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (2008-17)
School Management Board (2008-17)
Chair, School Education Board (2008-17)
Chair, FD Board of Examiners (2009-15)
Chair, UG and PGT Board of Examiners (2009-14)
Chair, Staff Student Consultative Committee (2008-17)
Chair, Staff Student Progress Committee (2008-17)
Founder & Chair, School Industrial Advisor Forum (2014-17)
Appointment, Probation and Promotion Panels (2008-17)
Admissions Tutor (UG/PGT) (2009-17)
Academic Lead, MSc Mechanical Engineering with Management (2017)
Programme Lead, Higher Level Apprenticeship, Aeronautical Engineering (2013-15)
Programme Lead, Foundation Degrees Mechanical Engineering (2009-15)
Programme Lead, Foundation Degrees Product Design & Development (2009-15)
Academic Lead, Ashby Refurbishment (2008-15)
Academic Lead, RAeS Accreditation (2010, 2014)
Academic Lead, IMechE Accreditation (2009, 2014)
Academic Lead, Educational Enhancement Process (2009, 2014)
Advisor of Studies, Mechanical Engineering (2009-11)
Programme Director, Mechanical Engineering (2009-10)
Programme Lead, Centre for Excellence in Active and Interactive Learning CETL (2008-10)
Academic Lead, Enhanced Service Quality Process (2009)
CDIO Programme Lead (2008-09)
IMechE Academic Liaison Officer (2000-09)

Past Administrative Roles (Faculty)
Faculty Annual Programme Review Panel (2016-17)
Faculty Teaching Group (2016)
Maths Academy (2016)

Past Administrative Roles (University)
Professorial Gender Pay Gap Project Group (2018)
University Education Committee (2008-17)
Directors of Education Forum (2008-17)
Directors of Education Forum Agenda Group (2014-17)
Admissions Policy Review Group (2010-17)
Academic Year Project Implementation Group (2016)
Academic Board (2008-15)
University Coordinators for Collaborative Provision (2013-14)
Educational Enhancement Process Sub-Group (2010-14)
Academic Council (2009-14)
Education Strategy Implementation Plan Group (2013)
Academic Review Sub-Group (2011-12)
Contact Hours Working Group (2011)
Annual Programme Review (APR) Review Group (2011)
Student Centred Timetabling Project Board (2010-11)
Higher Education Funding Group (2010-11)

External Positions
Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Sectoral Partnership (2015-19)
IET Engineering Policy Group NI (2014-19)
Engineering Training Council NI (2015-18)
AQA HE Advisory Panel for A-Level Mathematics (2014-17)
Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Services Working Group (2014-16)
Computing and Engineering Scholarship Programme (2014-15)
IMechE Academic Liaison Officer (2000-10)
Co-Chair CDIO UK-Ireland Regional Group (2008-09)
CDIO Council Member (2007-09)
Co-Chair CDIO international Theme (Projects & Workspaces) (2007-09)
IMechE Regional Committee (2002-03)

Dr Cunningham’s teaching focuses on engineering design, innovation, and professional practice, with current modules covering product development, prototyping, and business planning. Over the past two decades, he has coordinated and taught a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate modules in professional studies, design, manufacturing, project work, and introductory engineering.

Design Project 3M (Module Coordinator/Lecturer)

This module challenges students to take an innovative product idea from concept to prototype while developing both technical expertise and professional skills. Working in teams, they define a design brief, analyse markets and customer needs, and apply systematic methods to generate and refine concepts before selecting a final design.

The project requires application of engineering principles, computational tools, and technical literature. Each team manufactures and tests a prototype, ensuring it addresses customer requirements alongside social, environmental, and legislative considerations. The experience mirrors professional engineering practice, with students managing uncertainty, exercising judgement, and working collaboratively. By completing the full design cycle, students strengthen their creativity, problem-solving ability, and communication skills; essential attributes for innovative engineers.

Professional Studies 4 (Module Coordinator/Lecturer)

This module equips students with the skills to turn innovative ideas into viable business opportunities. Working individually and in teams, they develop product concepts that address one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and design business proposals that are both socially valuable and financially sustainable.

Students explore entrepreneurship in engineering through market analysis, business models, value propositions, operations, marketing, finance, and funding. They also consider legal and ethical aspects such as intellectual property, compliance, and corporate responsibility. A highlight of the module is the business pitch, where students present their proposals to a panel with both technical and commercial expertise. The experience builds creativity, commercial awareness, and teamwork, while providing a practical understanding of how engineering innovation can be brought successfully to market.

Past Module Responsibilities:

MEE2005 Professional Studies 2 (Module Coordinator), 2012-24

MEE3002 Professional Studies 3 (Module Coordinator), 2012-24

MEE4014 Lean Manufacture 4 (Module Coordinator) 2014-17

MEE7026 Lean Manufacture (Module Coordinator) 2014-17

MEE3030 Project 3B (Module Coordinator) 2013-14

AER3021 Project 3B (Module Coordinator) 2013-14

MEE4040 Project 4 (Module Coordinator) 2013-14

MEE7012 Project (Module Coordinator) 2013-14

MEE4028 Engineering Design 4 (Module Coordinator / Lecturer) 2007-16

MEE2034 Manufacturing Technology 2 (Module Coordinator) 2015-16

MEE3037 Quality Systems 3 (Module Coordinator) 2014-15

MEE1020 Computer Aided Design 1 (Module Coordinator / Lecturer), 2004-12

MEE1033 Introduction to Product Design (Lecturer) 2007-11

MEE1034 Introduction to Mechanical Engineering (Lecturer) 2007-11

MEE1035 Introduction to Aerospace Engineering (Lecturer) 2007-11

MEE1029 Introduction to Engineering (Lecturer) 2006-07

MEE1017 Computing and Professional Skills (Module Coordinator / Lecturer) 1999-2007

MEE808 CAD for Manufacture (Module Coordinator / Lecturer) 1998-2003