Laura Davila Pena

Dr Laura Davila Pena is a Research Fellow at the Kent Business School, University of Kent. She holds a PhD in Statistics and Operational Research (2023) from the University of Santiago de Compostela, alongside MSc (2019) and BSc (Mathematics) degrees from the same institution. Previously, she served as a lecturer at the Department of Statistics, Mathematical Analysis and Optimisation at the University of Santiago de Compostela. Her research focuses on vehicle routing problems, cooperative game theory, and their applications in logistics and healthcare. She has held visiting researcher positions at the University of Edinburgh, University of Porto, and Tilburg University, and was honored with the YoungWomen4OR distinction in 2022.

Her education includes:

• BSc in Mathematics, University of Santiago de Compostela
• MSc in Statistical Techniques, University of Santiago de Compostela
• PhD in Statistics and Operational Research (joint program with University of A Coruña and University of Vigo)

Laura's research interests emphasize optimization challenges in real-world scenarios, particularly addressing logistics distribution and healthcare systems through advanced analytical frameworks. Her work combines heuristic algorithms with cooperative game theory to solve complex routing and cost allocation problems. Recent publications highlight contributions to classification problems in healthcare and multi-compartment vehicle routing.

Her awards include the 2022 YoungWomen4OR distinction recognizing her contributions to Operational Research. Laura has co-supervised eight undergraduate dissertations and actively participates in academic dissemination through conferences and society memberships (SEIO & SGAPEIO).

Her research collaborations span multiple European institutions, reflecting her commitment to advancing interdisciplinary optimization solutions. Current work continues exploring applications of game theory in transportation and healthcare logistics.