Robert K Cunningham

Robert K Cunningham is a Research Professor and Vice Chancellor for Research Infrastructure at the University of Pittsburgh. He oversees strategic leadership of the University's research infrastructure, including physical and virtual laboratories, equipment, facilities, and centers/institutes. He also serves as Executive Director of the Pittsburgh Quantum Institute, the Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, and chairs the Center for Research Computing Advisory Committee.

Education: B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering; Ph.D. in Cognitive and Neural Systems. Prior roles include Associate Director of Cyber Assurance at Carnegie Mellon University’s CERT Division, Adjunct Professor of Cybersecurity (CMU School of Computer Science), and Adjunct Professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering (CMU College of Engineering). He previously directed the Laboratory of Physical Sciences at the University of Maryland and led research groups at MIT Lincoln Laboratory.

Research focuses on machine learning, digital image processing, intrusion detection, and cybersecurity. He has patented security technology, chaired the IEEE Cybersecurity Initiative, and founded the IEEE Cybersecurity Development Conference. His work bridges STEM, cyber science, and neuroscience, with emphasis on enterprise-scale team leadership and infrastructure development.