Dr Craig Cunningham
Contact
Biography
Dr Craig Cunningham is a Reader in Human Anatomy. He has developed an international reputation in the field of skeletal development and is senior author for the seminal, award winning textbook Developmental Juvenile Osteology. Craig is curator of the Scheuer skeletal collection, a large active repository of juvenile skeletal remains which regularly attracts international educators and researchers to Dundee. Over the past 15 years Craig has developed and led a variety of anatomy programmes (BSc, BDS, MBChB, MSc) and continues to teach across all levels. Currently he is anatomy lead for the BDS programme as well as leading on anatomy blocks for MBChB and speciality modules for BSc science programmes. Craig is Principal Anatomist for the University, licenced by the Scottish Government Health Directorate and is the key liaison with HM Inspector for Anatomy in Scotland. He is a Fellow of the Royal Anthropological Institute and has acted as an external examiner for multiple UK MBChB programmes.
Research
PhD supervision
Current
- Exploring age related trends in cortical and trabecular bone in an elderly Scottish sample
- Cortical and trabecular bone ageing in the elderly: a 2D-3D approach on the rib and metatarsal
Complete (selected)
- Trabecular bone analysis of the developing talocrural joint.
- Biomechanical Analysis of Forward Head Posture: Postural Control, Gait Adaptation, and Performance-Based Criteria.
- Analysis of the micro and macro changes to bone exposed to high temperatures.
- Histological analysis of human vs non-human bone.
- An investigation of trabecular bone structure in the juvenile lumbar column.
- A quantitative investigation of trabecular architecture in the developing ischium.
- The development and anatomy of the sacrum in relation to the ilium and the sacroiliac Joint
Craig is open to supervision inquiries in the areas of skeletal development and trabecular bone analysis.
Scholarship
Craig has led and developed innovative approaches to course delivery in anatomy including; flipped classroom, peer to peer learning, implementation of 3D technologies and software, and teaching anatomy via clinical skills. He regularly contributes to programme approval events and reviews (internal and external). He has acted as an external examiner for several UG programmes and also regularly examines PhD theses in the areas of skeletal development and anatomical variation.
Teaching
Craig has taught across all areas within CAHID including both forensic anthropology and gross anatomy subject areas. Currently, Craig’s teaching is focused on the delivery of gross anatomy to BDS and MBChB students, however he also contributes to the BSc Anatomical Sciences programme. A large component of Craig’s teaching involves delivery of dissection based practical classes using Theil embalmed donors. Craig employs a variety of teaching methods including lectures, practical labs, seminars as well as a variety of assessment methods. Craig supervises several BSc and MSc research projects each year and has been recognised by many students led teaching awards across multiple years.
Media availability
I am available for media commentary on my research.
Contact Corporate Communications for media enquiries.
Areas of expertise
- Anatomy
PhD Projects
Principal supervisor
PhD opportunity