Overview
Profile summary
I am a lecturer in Occupational Therapy and Programme Lead for the BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy Apprenticehsip. My career spans clinical practice, academia, leadership, and cutting-edge research. I am committed to pioneering advancements in occupational therapy practice particularly in primary care using realist methods. I am a principle investigator in an Elizabeth Casson Trust funded research project examing how, why and for whom occupaitona therpay works in primary care. I have a deep-rooted passion for occupational science and endeavor to understand the intricate ways in which occupation contributes to the health and wellbeing of communities. I completed my doctorate with a research focus on social transformation through occupation, exploring the transformative power of occupation in shaping societies, applying realist methods.
As an advocate for experiential learning, I embody a teaching philosophy that values not just theoretical knowledge but also the practical application of skills. This commitment to fostering student development is evident in my dedication to engaging and supporting learners on their educational journey. I was an elected member and Chair of the Board of Occupational Science Europe from 2017 to 2021. https://os-europe.org/. With the OSE team I was responsible for the highly successful 6th Occupational Science Europe Conference: Everyday Life, Living and Doing in a Changing Society
Professional memberships
British Association of Occupational Therapists
Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
Roles on external bodies
Teaching interests
Additional information
Academic qualifications
Doctorate, A Critical Exploration of Social Transformation Through Occupation
Award Date: 9 Sept 2025
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being
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SDG 4 Quality Education
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SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities
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SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
Research output
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Understanding how, why and for whom occupational therapy works in primary care. A rapid realist review protocol for stakeholder consultation
Cunningham, M., Warren, A., Hardwick, R., Wakley, S. & Di-Bona, L., 15 Feb 2026, (Accepted) Open Science Framework.Research output: Other contribution › Protocol
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Integrating social transformation into occupational therapy education
Cunningham, M., Christopher, C., Quinn, S., Lauckner, H., Godoy-Vieira, A., Lavelley, R., Laliberte Rudman, D., Kantartzis, S., Schiller, S., Pollard, N. & Rappolt, S., 1 May 2025, (Accepted).Research output: Contribution to conference › Conference paper (not formally published) › peer-review
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Participatory photography as socially transformative occupational practice: Insights from a realist review
Cunningham, M., Warren, A., Hardwick, R., Abey, S. & Pollard, N., 28 Aug 2025.Research output: Contribution to conference › Conference paper (not formally published) › peer-review
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The Missing Curriculum: Occupational Enablement for Social Transformation
Cunningham, M., Christopher, C., Van Bruggen, H., Quinn, S., Schiller, S., Rappolt, S. & Lauckner, H., 23 Oct 2025.Research output: Contribution to conference › Conference paper (not formally published) › peer-review
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Evidencing occupational therapy in primary care
Hickson, M., Cunningham, M., Wakley, S., Warren, A. & Collinson, A., 1 Mar 2024, In: Occupational Therapy News. p. 27-28Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile27 Downloads (Pure)
Theses
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A Critical Exploration of Social Transformation Through Occupation
Cunningham, M. (Author), Warren, A. (Director of Studies (First Supervisor)), Hardwick, R. (Other Supervisor), Pollard, N. (Other Supervisor) & Abey, S. (Other Supervisor), 2025Student thesis: PhD
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