Carla V. Fuenteslópez

Carlie is a DPhil candidate in Engineering Science at the University of Oxford, specialising in bioengineering and traumatic injury research. A former Chairwoman of the Oxford University Exploration Club (OUEC), she has led and participated in multiple expeditions, blending science, exploration, and social impact. Her work spans tissue engineering and biomaterials, environmental and paleoarchaoelogical research, biomedical innovation, and humanitarian projects, reflecting her deep commitment to both scientific exploration and global impact.

Profile

I have always been drawn to the intersection of science, exploration, and impact, which has shaped my academic career and expeditions. My research at Oxford focuses on engineering vascularised tissues for trauma research, with applications in regenerative medicine and injury repair. Beyond the lab, I seek opportunities to apply science in real-world, challenging and remote environments, from tropical rainforests to the Arctic.

I’ve led and participated in multidisciplinary expeditions worldwide, working at the crossroads of biomedical innovation, environmental science, and anthropology. The Arctic is a particularly exciting frontier—an extreme environment that tests human resilience while offering unparalleled opportunities for discovery. This expedition is also deeply meaningful as it marks 100 years of Oxford University Exploration Club (OUEC) Arctic expeditions, celebrating the legacy of early Oxford explorers.

I am particularly passionate about using science, engineering and innovation to address real-world challenges—whether through developing biomedical technologies, supporting conservation efforts, or working on humanitarian projects. Whether leading teams in Príncipe Island’s biodiverse forests or investigating microbial dark matter in the Arctic, I am constantly inspired by the challenge of adapting to remote, unpredictable environments while pushing the boundaries of discovery.

First Aid Qualifications

Field & Expedition Medicine
Wilderness Medical Training
Operational First Aider
Emergency First Aid

Education

DPhil in Engineering Science, University of Oxford (ongoing)
MSc in Nanotechnology for Medicine and Healthcare, University of Oxford (Thesis Awarded with a Distinction)
BEng in Biomedical Engineering, Universidad Iberoamericana (top 1% of class)
Diploma in Global Surgery, University of Oxford
Diploma in Design & Development of Medical Devices, College of Biomedical Engineers
Diploma in Epidemiology, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

Recent Expeditions

Oxford Príncipe Expedition – Expedition Leader & Medical Officer

Led an interdisciplinary team to Príncipe Island, investigating environmental history, biodiversity, and cultural heritage. Research focused on human-nature interactions, the legacy of past environmental change, and the island’s conservation challenges.

Arctic Bioquest – Expedition Leader

Selected as one of the Young Explorers by The Explorers Club and Adventure Canada, my research focuses on microbial dark matter in extreme environments.

Leadership & Outreach

(Former) Chairwoman of the Oxford University Exploration Club
(Former) Vice-President, Oxford Women in Engineering Network
Co-Founder of BioFragment

Research & Impact Projects

BIOMATDB – Advanced Database & Marketplace for Biomaterials
OxVent – Rapidly Manufacturable Low-Cost Ventilator
Palliative Care in Humanitarian Settings (MSF Collaboration)
DEBBIE – Database of Experimental Biomaterials and Their Biological Effect