APrf Andrew Cunningham
Senior Lecturer
School of Computer Science and Information Technology
College of Engineering and Information Technology
Visit my website here.
I am a Senior Lecturer in computer science and Co-Director of the Wearable Computer Lab at the Australian Research Centre for Interactive and Virtual Enviroments (IVE), UniSA STEM. I am an expert in immersive technologies including Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality. My research aim is to help people understand the world by revealing and communicating insights within the data all around us. Big data is pervasive and is driving decisions at an industry, policy, and societal level. I believe that Immersive Analytics—using immersive technologies such as virtual and augmented reality to display and interact with data—and Narrative Visualisation—using visualisation to reveal the stories within data—can help humanise this decision making and empower people.
Upon completing my PhD in 2011, I worked in the mobile games industry on titles that have been downloaded over 50 million times. In 2016 I returned to UniSA and was a key researcher on the Narrative Visualisation for Law Enforcement project with the Data to Decisions Cooperative Research Centre. This project won the South Australian Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) iAward for R&D Project of the Year and a merit at the national level. The technology has since been acquired by a commercial venture to take to market.
I am a Chief Investigator on the $4M "Narrative Visualisation and Big Data to Improve High Value Manufacturing" research project with the Innovative Manufacturing CRC and BAE Systems. I am a Chief Investigator on a successful Australian Research Council Discovery Project ("Parametric VR: An Interactive Virtual Reality System for Parametric Design", AU$455,000). I won the 2021 UniSA STEM Early Career Researcher award and the 2021 IVE Recognition Award for Innovation, Value, and Enterprise.
See my Google Scholar profile here.
Current research themes:
- The application of Virtual and Augmented Reality, exploring how we visualise information in these environments to support analytical tasks and sense making.
Recent research grants (not commercial in confidence):
- ARC - Discovery Projects, "Parametric VR: An Interactive Virtual Reality System for Parametric Design", Thomas, B., Gu, N., Cunningham, A. (2022-2025): $455,000.
- MinEx CRC Opportunity Fund, "Immersive Analytics for the Geosciences", Raimondo, T., Cunningham, A. & Thomas, B. (2021-2022): $159,264.
| Date | Type | Title | Institution Name | Country | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Award | Best Paper Honourable Mention Award ACM CHI 2025 | Association for Computing Machinery | Japan | - |
| 2024 | Recognition | MinEx CRC Technology Award | Mineral Explorations CRC | Australia | - |
| Date | Institution name | Country | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 - 2004 | University of South Australia | Australia | Bachelor of Information Technology (Advanced Computer Science Honours) |
| Date | Title | Institution | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Information Visualisation | University of South Australia | Australia |
| Date | Title | Institution name | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) | University of South Australia | Australia |
| — | Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) | University of South Australia | Australia |
| Year | Citation |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Ablett, D., Cunningham, A., Lee, G. A., & Thomas, B. H. (2025). Simultaneous Presence Continuum: Portal Overlays for Overlapping Worlds in Virtual Reality. IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics, 31(10), 7834-7847. |
| 2025 | Cao, R., Liang, Z., Zhang, C., Cunningham, A., Walsh, J. A., & Cao, R. (2025). The Role of Visual Augmentation on Embodied Skill Acquisition Across Perspectives and Body Representations. IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics, 31(11), 10045-10055. |
| 2025 | Doig, M., Cunningham, A., Bedford, V., Le, H., O'Connor, M., Bezak, E., . . . Short, M. (2025). Healthcare professional perspectives on digital health-related quality-of-life assessment in paediatric radiation therapy: a qualitative study. Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences, online, 1-9. Scopus1 WoS2 Europe PMC1 |
| 2025 | Doig, M., Cunningham, A., Bedford, V., Le, H., O'Connor, M., Jessop, S., . . . Short, M. (2025). Development and Evaluation of an Electronic Patient-Reported Outcome Platform for Children Undergoing Radiation Therapy. Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences, online, 11 pages. |
| 2025 | Pieschacon, J. M., Smith, R. T., Cunningham, A., O'Callaghan, E., & Harvie, D. (2025). Spatial Visualisations for Physiotherapy Training Using Volumetric Capture and Virtual Reality. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 41(6), 18 pages. |
| 2025 | Pieschacon, J. M., Costabile, M., Cunningham, A., Zucco, J., Von Itzstein, G. S., & Smith, R. T. (2025). Smart Pipette: Elevating Laboratory Performance With Tactile Authenticity and Real-Time Feedback. IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics, 31(9), 5788-5800. Scopus1 Europe PMC1 |
| 2025 | O'Keeffe, S., Thomas, B., O'Hehir, J., Rombouts, J., Balasso, M., & Cunningham, A. (2025). Leveraging open-source tools to analyse ground-based forest LiDAR data in South Australian forests. Remote Sensing, 17(11, article no. 1934), 1-28. |
| 2025 | Wimmer, M., Pepicelli, A., Volmer, B., ElSayed, N., Cunningham, A., Thomas, B. H., . . . Veas, E. E. (2025). Counting on AR: EEG responses to incongruent information with real-world context. Computers in Biology and Medicine, 185, 1-11. Scopus3 Europe PMC2 |
| 2025 | Powell, M. D., Fleming, P., Krishna, V. I., Lakkakula, N., Ravisundar, S., Mosur, P., . . . Kumar, S. (2025). Intel Xeon 6 Product Family. IEEE MICRO, 45(3), 31-40. |
| 2025 | Quireyns, M., Van Wichelen, N., Boogaerts, T., Surmont, T., Cunningham, A., Matias, J., . . . van Nuijs, A. L. N. (2025). Evaluating the potential of wastewater-based epidemiology to estimate the retail illicit drug market size in Europe: A case study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY, 139, 11 pages. |
| 2024 | McKechnie-Martin, C. T., Cunningham, A., Baumeister, J., & Von Itzstein, G. S. (2024). A Meta-Ethnography of Player Motivation in Digital Games: The 28 Dimensions of Play. Games and Culture, online(2), 25 pages. Scopus2 |
| 2024 | Drogemuller, A., Matthews, B. J., Cunningham, A., Yu, R., Gu, N., & Thomas, B. H. (2024). Hey building! Novel interfaces for parametric design manipulations in virtual reality. Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction, 8(540), 330-355. Scopus2 WoS2 |
| 2023 | Drogemuller, A., Cunningham, A., Walsh, J., Baumeister, J., Smith, R. T., & Thomas, B. H. (2023). Aesthetics and comprehension of curved 3D graphs in Virtual Reality. Journal of Computer Languages, 75(101198), 1-18. |
| 2023 | Klein, A., Uyehara, M., Cunningham, A., Olomi, M., Cashin, K., & Kirk, C. M. (2023). Nutritional care for children with feeding difficulties and disabilities: A scoping review. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH, 3(3), 19 pages. WoS9 |
| 2023 | Krumberger, M., Li, X., Kreutzer, A. G., Peoples, A. J., Nitti, A. G., Cunningham, A. M., . . . Nowick, J. S. (2023). Synthesis and Stereochemical Determination of the Peptide Antibiotic Novo29. JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY, 88(4), 2214-2220. WoS10 |
| 2023 | Jenkins, C., Woods, F., Chandler, S., Carter, K., Jenkins, R., Cunningham, A., . . . Harris, D. A. (2023). A novel blood based triage test for colorectal cancer in primary care: a pilot study. BJGP OPEN, 7(1), 10 pages. WoS4 |
| 2022 | Amick, A. E., Feinsmith, S. E., Davis, E. M., Sell, J., Macdonald, V., Trinquero, P., . . . Barsuk, J. H. (2022). Simulation-Based Mastery Learning Improves Ultrasound-Guided Peripheral Intravenous Catheter Insertion Skills of Practicing Nurses. SIMULATION IN HEALTHCARE-JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR SIMULATION IN HEALTHCARE, 17(1), 7-14. WoS30 |
| 2022 | Cunningham, A., & Reichherzer, C. (2022). Virtual reality in the courtroom. Judicial Officers Bulletin, 34, 39-41. |
| 2021 | Davis, E. M., Feinsmith, S., Amick, A. E., Sell, J., McDonald, V., Trinquero, P., . . . Barsuk, J. H. (2021). Difficult intravenous access in the emergency department: Performance and impact of ultrasound-guided IV insertion performed by nurses. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE, 46, 539-544. WoS38 |
| 2020 | Batch, A., Cunningham, A., Cordeil, M., Elmqvist, N., Dwyer, T., Thomas, B. H., & Marriott, K. (2020). There is no spoon: evaluating performance, space use, and presence with expert domain users in immersive analytics. IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics, 26(6), 536-546. Scopus99 WoS81 Europe PMC16 |
| 2020 | Drogemuller, A., Cunningham, A., Walsh, J., Thomas, B. H., Cordeil, M., & Ross, W. (2020). Examining virtual reality navigation techniques for 3D network visualisations. Journal of Computer Languages, 56(100937), 1-13. Scopus24 WoS22 |
| 2020 | Cao, R., Walsh, J., Cunningham, A., Kohler, M., Smith, R. T., & Thomas, B. H. (2020). Examining computer–supported 3d event recreation for enhancing cognitive load, memorability, and engagement. Multimodal Technologies and Interaction, 4(3), 1-16. Scopus6 WoS6 |
| 2020 | Cao, R., Dey, S., Cunningham, A., Walsh, J., Smith, R. T., Zucco, J. E., & Thomas, B. H. (2020). Examining the use of narrative constructs in data videos. Visual Informatics, 4(1), 8-22. Scopus26 WoS24 |
| 2019 | Zhang, W., Benson, C., Cunningham, A., & Riffat, S. (2019). Parametric analysis on the performance of a revolutionary rotary Ericsson heat pump/engine. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LOW-CARBON TECHNOLOGIES, 14(1), 36-43. WoS1 |
| 2018 | Jitsumura, M., Cunningham, A. L., Hitchings, M. D., Islam, S., Davies, A. P., Row, P. E., . . . Harris, D. A. (2018). Protocol for faecal microbiota transplantation in ulcerative colitis (FMTUC): a randomised feasibility study. BMJ OPEN, 8(10), 10 pages. WoS6 |
| 2018 | Reichherzer, C., Cunningham, A., Walsh, J., Kohler, M., Billinghurst, M., & Thomas, B. H. (2018). Narrative and spatial memory for jury viewings in a reconstructed virtual environment. IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics, 24(11), 2917-2926. Scopus16 WoS15 Europe PMC2 |
| 2016 | Fitzpatrick, D., O'Meara, P., & Cunningham, A. (2016). Pre-hospital identification and post-recovery challenges of intoxication with synthetic cannabinoid containing legal high products such as 'Exodus Damnation'. SCOTTISH MEDICAL JOURNAL, 61(4), 192-194. |
| 2016 | van der Heide, S., Cunningham, A., Hardwick, S., & Russell, D. A. (2016). Location-specific immunodetection of cocaine on banknotes. ANALYST, 141(21), 6116-6125. WoS1 |
| 2015 | Cunningham, A. (2015). John Victor Pickstone, or "JVP". DYNAMIS, 35(1), 193-196. |
| 2015 | Cunningham, A. (2015). I shall keep on booing. OPERA, 66(5), 564. |
| 2015 | Gelbard, R., Inaba, K., Cunningham, A., Okoye, O., Aksoy, H., Skiada, D., . . . Demetriades, D. (2015). The Effect of Statin Use on Outcomes after Trauma. AMERICAN SURGEON, 81(12), E412-E414. |
| 2014 | Christopherson, M. R., Dawson, J. A., Stevenson, D. M., Cunningham, A. C., Bramhacharya, S., Weimer, P. J., . . . Suen, G. (2014). Unique aspects of fiber degradation by the ruminal ethanologen <i>Ruminococcus albus 7</i> revealed by physiological and transcriptomic analysis. BMC GENOMICS, 15(1), 13 pages. WoS80 |
| 2010 | Cunningham, A. L., Jones, C. P., Ansell, J., & Barry, J. D. (2010). Christmas 2010: Surgery Red for danger: the effects of red hair in surgical practice. BMJ-BRITISH MEDICAL JOURNAL, 341(dec09 2), 5 pages. WoS12 |
| - | Doig, M., Cunningham, A., Bedford, V., Le, H., O'Connor, M., Jessop, S., . . . Short, M. (2025). Continuing Professional Development - Radiation Therapy. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL RADIATION SCIENCES, 2 pages. |
| - | Chawla, L. S., Murray, P. T., Goldstein, S. L., Cunningham, A., Hebbar, S., Wunderink, R. G., & Chertow, G. M. (2025). Inhibition of Calcium Release-Activated Calcium Channels to Treat Acute Kidney Injury: Design and Rationale of the KOURAGE Study a Randomized Trial. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NEPHROLOGY, 11 pages. |
| Year | Citation |
|---|---|
| 2010 | Mattila, V. V., Cunningham, A., & Sandor, C. (2010). US20110287811, Method and apparatus for an augmented reality x-ray. |
| Year | Citation |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Wimmer, M., Pepicelli, A., Volmer, B., ElSayed, N., Cunningham, A., Thomas, B. H., . . . Veas, E. E. (2024). Counting on AR: EEG responses to incongruent information with real-world context. DOI |
| 2019 | Batch, A., Cunningham, A., Cordeil, M., Elmqvist, N., Dwyer, T., Thomas, B. H., & Marriott, K. (2019). There Is No Spoon: Evaluating Performance, Space Use, and Presence with Expert Domain Users in Immersive Analytics. DOI |
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CSIRO NGGP - UTAS - Augmented Human Operations, CSIRO-Data61, 07/08/2024 - 30/06/2029
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Industry Funded PhD Project: Immersive narrative visualisation for understanding autonomous maritime vessels, Naval Group Pacific Pty Ltd, 06/11/2023 - 06/11/2027
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Parametric VR: An Interactive Virtual Reality System for Parametric Design, ARC - Discovery Projects, 01/11/2022 - 31/10/2026
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VineSight: Augmented Reality Field-based Diagnostics for Vineyard Disease Detection, CRC SAAFE Limited, 05/09/2025 - 05/09/2026
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Exploring satellite configurations in mixed reality, Cwth Dept of Defence, 06/11/2025 - 05/06/2026
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Australian Housing & Urban Research Institute Scholarship, Australian Housing & Urban Research Institute, 22/06/2023 - 31/05/2026
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An immersive science platform for the CLLMM Research Centre, CLLMM: Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth Research Centre (Goyder Inst), 25/06/2024 - 31/01/2026
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Narrative Visualisation for Multi-Domain Agile C2, Defence Science and Technology Group, 20/12/2023 - 31/12/2025
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Reviewing CDR User Requirements, Department of the Treasury, 07/03/2025 - 30/12/2025
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Cyber Terrain Mapping and Analysis of Operational Technology Networks, Defence Science and Technology Group, 02/02/2024 - 31/01/2025
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BAE Technology Transfer - Atlas Project and LMM Investigation, ASC Shipbuilding Pty Limited, 01/07/2024 - 30/11/2024
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Forestry Saw Mill VR Training, Green Triangle Forestry Industry Hub, 09/01/2024 - 09/07/2024
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Independent Health Check (Dark Patterns), Department of the Treasury, 02/02/2024 - 30/06/2024
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BAE Technology Transfer and Automation Proof of Concept, ASC Shipbuilding Pty Limited, 01/09/2023 - 31/01/2024
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SmartSat P2-46: Indo-Pacific Connector Visualisation Task, SmartSat CRC, 26/05/2022 - 25/09/2022
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MinEx CRC OP 7 : Immersive Analytics, MinEx CRC, 01/01/2021 - 25/02/2022
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Extending the Narrative Visualisation to Child Protection, D2D CRC Limited, 20/09/2019 - 31/12/2021
Courses I teach
- COMP 3023 Design Patterns with C++ (2025)
- COMP 3025 Game Design (2025)
- COMP 5076 Problem Solving in the Digital Age (2025)
- COMP 3025 Game Design (2024)
- COMP 5076 Problem Solving in the Digital Age (2024)
| Date | Role | Research Topic | Program | Degree Type | Student Load | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Co-Supervisor | Enhancing Cultural Competency in Adolescents through Storyliving in Immersive Learning Environments | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Part Time | Mrs Catherine Barnes |
| 2024 | Principal Supervisor | Immersive Narrative Visualisation for Understanding Autonomous Maritime Vessels | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Full Time | Mr Kingsley Stephens |
| 2023 | Principal Supervisor | Tangible immersive analytics | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Full Time | Ms Lily Du |
| 2023 | Co-Supervisor | Exploring the Potential to Create 3D Sculptural Data Visualisations Using Digital Technologies | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Full Time | Ms Agarrid Mahdi |
| 2023 | Co-Supervisor | Design thinking in immersive environments: exploring the impacts of VR on parametric design process | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Full Time | Mr Hamidreza Sakhaei |
| 2022 | Co-Supervisor | Immersive visualizations to improve user performance in challenging situations | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Full Time | Chenkai Zhang |
| 2022 | Principal Supervisor | Hand skill training with custom haptics, real-time visual instruction, and immersive technologies | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Full Time | Mr Juan Pieschacon Aponte |
| 2022 | Principal Supervisor | Immersive analytics in forestry | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Full Time | Mr Spencer John O'Keeffe |
| 2022 | Co-Supervisor | Life-size block puzzle: world-building in Spatial Augmented Reality | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Full Time | Miss Chau ha Nguyen |
| 2022 | Principal Supervisor | Designing immersive data stories through space, locomotion, and scale | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Full Time | Radhika Jain |
| 2022 | Co-Supervisor | Designing data for immersive cultural experiences and events | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Full Time | Richie Khoo |
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