Meet Emily (Emmy) Cunningham (VIPER '19)
How it Started…
Emmy Cunningham is from Dover, Massachusetts and graduated from Dover-Sherborn High School. She plans on studying Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Chemistry. Emmy first became interested in scientific research after studying silver nanoparticle behavior over the summer at the University of Iowa. VIPER is a great fit for Emmy because she is very passionate about protecting the environment, so studying alternative energy sources is the best way for her to do that. In her free time, Emmy likes to run, do puzzles, go out to restaurants, watch Netflix, and chill.
… How It’s Going
Degrees and Majors at Penn?
BA in Chemistry and BSE in Chemical Engineering
Current Job?
Senior Associate Scientist at Bristol-Myers Squibb and Masters Candidate in Chemical Engineering at Columbia University.
Why did you join VAB?
To help ensure that a VIPER community exists post-grad for social and professional purposes.
What part of the energy industry are you most excited about?
I'm most excited about the hydrogen economy, particularly green hydrogen. It's a great example of something that seemed so out of reach just 10 years ago but is now being demonstrated in an early stage form to power homes and cars in Japan. The ability to safely and economically scale up hydrogen fuel cells will lead to a significantly decreased reliance on fossil fuels.
What is something that you're interested in?
Hiking: I really love being in nature and exploring new places. I'm trying to finish all of the major peaks in the White Mountains and the Adirondacks in the next 5 years.
What's your favorite zoo animal?
Hippo- but I've been chased by one on a safari and they are terrifying!