Arvin Cunningham

Profile Information
Name
Mr. Arvin Cunningham
Institution
Idaho National Laboratory
Position
Materials Engineer
Affiliation
ASTM International, American Ceramic Society, American Welding Society,
h-Index
1
ORCID
0000-0002-4012-2630
Biography
I grew up in Boise, Idaho, where my curiosity and passion for learning were shaped by my surroundings and the people who believed in me. My professional journey began with a career in welding and machining various metals, which sparked a deep interest in understanding how things work—specifically, the intricacies of crystal structures and the forces required to mechanically deform them. This interest ultimately led me to pursue a career in materials science and engineering. Two individuals played a pivotal role in motivating me and setting me on this path: Robert Van Treeck, a World War II Navy Seabee, and Kent Brown, a Vietnam veteran and West Point graduate. Both saw potential in me that I hadn’t yet recognized in myself, and their belief continues to inspire me to strive for excellence. My academic achievements include earning a bachelor’s degree in Material Science Engineering from Boise State University, which was a significant milestone in my life. I am currently working toward a master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering at the University of Idaho and aspire to one day earn a Ph.D. in Materials Science. These accomplishments reflect my commitment to lifelong learning and a deep-seated desire to explore the science behind materials and their behavior under different conditions. I am inspired daily by the incredible colleagues and mentors I have the privilege of working with. Their diverse perspectives and expertise continues to challenge me to think differently and push the boundaries of my knowledge. I am driven by the collaborative environment at Idaho National Laboratory and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful advancements in materials science and nuclear engineering. My greatest personal achievement, however, is raising three amazing children—Olivia, Aubrey, and Alex—who continue to motivate me and remind me of the importance of perseverance, curiosity, and love. Looking toward the future, I hope to continue my academic journey by pursuing a Ph.D. in Materials Science. My goal is to contribute to groundbreaking research and innovation, helping to shape a more sustainable and advanced future for generations to come.
Expertise
SEM, SolidWorks, XRD
Presentations:
"• Defects in Nuclear Graphite using Positron Annihilation" Arvin Cunningham, International Graphite Specialist Meeting September 8-13, (2024)
"• Understanding Strain Fields in Nuclear Graphite using Digital Image Correlation" Arvin Cunningham, International Graphite Specialist Meeting September 8-13, (2024)