Marta Peña Fernández

Marta Peña Fernández is an Assistant Professor at Heriot-Watt University's School of Engineering & Physical Sciences, within the Institute of Mechanical, Process & Energy Engineering. Her research focuses on biomechanics, marine biology, and material science, particularly in coral reef structural integrity, bone tissue engineering, and the impacts of ocean acidification. She has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, with notable works on cold-water coral mechanics and bone regeneration techniques. Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to life below water and good health and well-being.

Her research employs advanced imaging techniques like synchrotron radiation μCT and digital volume correlation, alongside computational modeling. Key collaborations involve institutions like the University of Edinburgh and the Plymouth Marine Laboratory. She has supervised studies on biomaterials for bone regeneration and ocean acidification effects on marine ecosystems.

Her recent publications (2022–2025) highlight advancements in coral reef crumbling models, bone strength assessment via MRI-QCT integration, and osteogenic biomaterial comparisons. She actively contributes to interdisciplinary research at the interface of engineering, biology, and environmental science.