Beth A. Cunningham

This oral history interview features Dr. Beth Cunningham, the Chief Executive Officer of the American Association of Physics Teachers, who earned her PhD from Kent State University. Conducted as part of the Liquid Crystal Oral History Project, the interview chronicles Cunningham’s educational and professional journey. Born in Texas and raised in Northeast Ohio, she developed an early interest in science that led her to attend Kent State University. As an undergraduate, she worked with Dr. Dave Allender on a project involving Cooper pairs and superconductivity, which deepened her understanding of theoretical physics. Cunningham earned her bachelor’s degree in physics in 1982 and then pursued a combined MA/PhD program at Kent State. During this time, she collaborated with the Liquid Crystal Institute (LCI) and conducted research on x-ray diffraction, completing her PhD in 1987. Before finishing her PhD, she began a postdoctoral position at the Hormel Institute (1986-1988). After a brief stint in industry, Cunningham transitioned to academia, teaching at Gettysburg College (1988-1989) and later at Bucknell University, where she held various roles including professor (1989-2006), co-administrator of a summer research program (1995-2006), and associate dean of faculty (2000-2006). She also became involved with Project Kaleidoscope, an organization dedicated to enhancing STEM education. In 2006, Cunningham joined Illinois Wesleyan University as provost and professor of physics until 2010. She then served as the executive officer of the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) from 2010-2023, where she managed staff, oversaw national meetings, and supported programs for educators. Her work at AAPT focused on advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the sciences.

Cunningham earned her undergraduate and doctoral degrees from Kent State University, and subsequently completed postdoctoral training at the Hormel Institute. She began her teaching career at Gettysburg College. After a year in Gettysburg, Cunningham joined the Bucknell University faculty in 1989. At Bucknell, Cunningham became associate dean of the faculty in the college of arts and sciences in 2000, two years before attaining the rank of full professor. Cunningham was appointed provost, dean of the faculty, and physics professor at Illinois Wesleyan University in 2006. In 2011, she was named executive officer of the American Association of Physics Teachers. Cunningham was elected a fellow of the American Physical Society in 2021, for her contributions to physics education.