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Two Queen’s University researchers have been inducted as Fellows of the Canadian Academy of Engineering (CAE), one of Canada’s national academies. Michael Cunningham is an internationally-recognized authority on sustainable polymer manufacturing and Jean Hutchinson has developed an international reputation for assessing and managing the risks associated with natural rock slope hazards, along rail corridors.

The CAE is a national institution through which Canada's most distinguished and experienced engineers provide strategic advice on matters of critical importance to Canada. Fellows of the academy are elected by their peers.

“Election to the Canadian Academy of Engineering is one of the highest professional honours awarded to engineers in Canada,” says Kimberly Woodhouse, Interim Vice-Principal (Research). “My sincere congratulations to Drs. Cunningham and Hutchinson on this well-deserved recognition.”

Dr. Cunningham’s (Chemical Engineering) research has contributed to producing materials using water-based rather than solvent-based processes. He collaborates and consults extensively with industry, and for 15 years has taught industry courses in North America and Europe.

His award-winning green chemistry/engineering work has important societal, economic, and environmental implications, and he has been recognized nationally and internationally, including as a recipient of the 2019 NSERC Brockhouse Canada Prize with fellow collaborators from Queen’s. 

“I am honoured to be elected as a Fellow of the CAE and gratefully acknowledge my colleagues and current and former students with whom I've enjoyed stimulating and creative collaborations during my career,” Dr. Cunningham says. “I look forward to engaging with the CAE in its pursuit of promoting science and engineering principles in furthering the best interests of the country and quality of life for all Canadians.”

Dr. Hutchinson (Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering) and her team pioneered the use of new engineering approaches to support risk-based decision-making and rock slope stability assessment using remote sensing. Her most recent research applies novel tools such as remote sensing data collection on large and remote rock slopes, machine learning to analyze data streams and game engine based numerical simulation to assess and simulate rock slope hazards along rail corridors.

“It is my great pleasure and honour to be elected to the Canadian Academy of Engineering, which engages engineering excellence across many sectors and with diverse perspectives. I look forward to contributing to the CAE’s efforts to promote and lead responsible and transformative engineering contributions to society, considering environmental, societal and economic sustainability,” says Dr. Hutchinson.

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