James Cunningham’s research interests include social epidemiologic methods, program and policy evaluation, health disparity determinants, and health services workforce quality. He introduced and helped develop the field of study that examines how essential/precursor chemical controls impact illicit drug production, use and morbidity. He is working to foster more population-based health research among indigenous peoples. And he is developing new measures/instruments to better assess the skill levels and identify the training needs of public health professionals.