Martha Godina Rodriguez

Martha Godina Rodriguez is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Cambridge, affiliated with the Centre for Natural Material Innovation within the Department of Architecture. Her current work focuses on the WOODCIRCLES project, funded by Horizon Europe, which explores circular material flows of wood in construction. She holds a PhD in structural engineering from the University of Cambridge, with earlier degrees in architecture and lightweight roof structures.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture
• Master’s degree in Lightweight Roof Structures
• PhD in Structural Engineering (Thesis: Design Methodology for Bamboo Structures – A Study of Bamboo Reciprocal Structures)

Research Interests: Martha’s work bridges sustainability, material innovation, and structural engineering. She investigates strategies for salvaging timber from existing buildings, digital design tools for natural materials, and the interplay between geometry/material properties and structural performance. Her interdisciplinary approach combines fieldwork, computational modeling, and industry collaboration.

Awards & Projects:

• Lead researcher on Horizon Europe-funded WOODCIRCLES (Circular Potential of Wood Construction)
• Recipient of 2021 Sustainability Scholarship (Worshipful Company of Constructors)
• Prior research collaboration with Elliott Wood Partnership, CIOB, and UCEM on timber salvage strategies

Labs/Teams: Active member of the Centre for Natural Material Innovation, a multidisciplinary group advancing sustainable construction materials and practices.