Connell Cunningham Jr.

Connell Cunningham Jr. serves as Visiting Assistant Professor of Chemistry within The College at Washington and Lee University, appointed Scholar in Residence for the Office of Community-Based Learning during the 2024-25 academic year. His faculty position resides in the Department of Chemistry where he joined the institution in 2023 after completing advanced chemistry degrees.

His educational foundation includes:

• Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University
• Master of Science in Chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro
• Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Cunningham's research pioneers the application of gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to analyze chemical components in Shenandoah Valley wines, specifically quantifying sugars, tannins, flavonoids, and acids to establish scientific taste profiles. This community-engaged work directly supports regional vineyards by translating complex chemical data into marketable flavor descriptions (fruity, floral, earthy, etc.) that enhance customer engagement and business development. His innovative approach extends to curriculum development through an upcoming interdisciplinary course examining wine's historical connections to enslaved labor and Black culture in Virginia, combining chemical analysis with socioeconomic context.

As the inaugural Scholar in Residence, Cunningham leads student research teams in collaborative projects with local wine producers, creating a sustainable knowledge pipeline between academic research and regional economic development. The initiative includes planned community presentations and information sheets translating scientific findings into practical business tools for the Shenandoah Valley wine industry.