David Cunningham
Rome
Summary
Dedicated and versatile Physics teacher with over a decade of experience in IGCSE and international secondary education. Former civil engineer and PhD researcher with a strong academic background in energy systems and building physics. Passionate about inspiring curiosity in scientific learning, integrating analytical and real-world engineering perspectives into the classroom. Skilled in curriculum development, student mentoring, and cross-cultural communication.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Physics Teacher
Istituto Marymount High School
Rome
01.2019 - Current
- Teach Physics to Liceo Scientifico and Liceo Classico students (Biennio to 5th year).
- Prepare and deliver engaging lessons aligned with Cambridge IGCSE standards.
- Support interdisciplinary coordination between Physics and Maths departments.
- Developed lab-based learning projects to enhance student inquiry skills.
- Developed engaging lesson plans to enhance student understanding of physics concepts.
- Assessed student performance through tests, projects, and classroom participation.
- Collaborated with colleagues to create interdisciplinary projects that integrate physics with other subjects.
- Provided individual support to students struggling with complex topics and concepts.
IGCSE Physics Teacher
Liceo Scientifico Statale Camillo Cavour
Rome
01.2015 - Current
- Deliver Cambridge IGCSE Physics curriculum to bilingual and international classes.
- Mentor students through external exams, with consistently strong results.
- Implemented hands-on experiments to promote practical understanding of physics concepts.
- Established a positive relationship with students by creating an environment conducive to learning.
- Supervised lab activities according to safety protocols.
- Conducted laboratory experiments to demonstrate physical principles.
PhD Researcher
Loughborough University
Loughborough
01.2010 - 01.2013
- Researched ICT integration in home energy systems and user behaviour.
- Led experimental studies on smart home energy management using mobile technology.
- Served as CDT Student Representative and UK CDT Ambassador.
- Acted as STEMnet Ambassador promoting STEM engagement in schools.
- Part of the inaugural Lo-Lo Centre for Doctoral Training
- Conducted extensive literature reviews to support research projects.
- Presented research findings at academic conferences and seminars.
Graduate Design Engineering Consultant
Atkins Global
Epsom
01.2008 - 01.2010
- Contributed to major rivers and coastal projects, including:
- Aberaeron North Beach: design support and site supervision.
- Ayla Aqaba Oasis: Boussinesq wave modelling.
- Southend-on-Sea Coastal Strategy: asset prioritisation via multi-criteria analysis.
- Environment Agency: pumping station efficiency improvements.
- Developed engineering solutions for complex infrastructure projects.
- Conducted feasibility studies and risk assessments for proposed designs.
- Evaluated project performance and recommended process improvements.
Education
PhD Research - Energy Demand Studies
Loughborough University
Loughborough , UK 06.2011 - 01/2013
Master of Research (MRes) - Energy Demand Studies
Loughborough University
Loughborough , UK 09.2010 - 01/2011
BSc (Hons) - Civil Engineering
Kingston University
Skills
- IGCSE Physics & Maths Teaching
- Student Mentoring
- Curriculum Design
- Scientific Communication
- Research & Data Analysis
- Leadership & Organisation
- Laboratory supervision
- Research presentation
- Student mentoring
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Effective communication
- Student engagement
Personal Information
Nationality: British
Italian residency with Permesso di Soggiorno permanente
Languages
- English, Native
- Italian, B1 (Intermediate)
Professional Development
- Introductory Online Self-Study - Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625) & Mathematics, Cambridge International Examinations, 09/01/15, Present
- Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625) (0972): Focus on helping students to plan experiments, Cambridge International Examinations, 09/01/15, Present
- Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625) (0972): Focus on applying AO1 and AO2 to space physics, Cambridge International Examinations, 09/01/15, Present
Timeline
Physics Teacher
Istituto Marymount High School
01.2019 - Current
IGCSE Physics Teacher
Liceo Scientifico Statale Camillo Cavour
01.2015 - Current
PhD Research - Energy Demand Studies
Loughborough University
06.2011 - 01/2013
Master of Research (MRes) - Energy Demand Studies
Loughborough University
09.2010 - 01/2011
PhD Researcher
Loughborough University
01.2010 - 01.2013
Graduate Design Engineering Consultant
Atkins Global
01.2008 - 01.2010
BSc (Hons) - Civil Engineering
Kingston University