Academic Credentials
  • Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, Michigan State University, 2026
  • B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez (UPRM), 2019
Additional Education & Training
  • Professional and Practical Ethics Minor, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez Campus, 2020
Academic Appointments
  • Teaching Assistant, Mechanical Engineering Department, Michigan State University, 2021
Professional Honors
  • Graduate Research Fellowship (GRFP), National Science Foundation, 2022
  • University Enrichment Fellowship, Michigan State University, 2020
Professional Affiliations
  • Society for Experimental Mechanics
  • American Society of Mechanical Engineers

Dr. Dávila-Montero is a biomechanics expert specializing in soft tissue mechanics, with experience evaluating injury mechanisms related to traumatic brain injury, blast exposure, spinal injury, and fluid — solid interactions.

Her work focuses on traumatic events including blunt and blast impacts, aircraft mishaps, motor vehicle crashes, sports-related injuries, falls, and protective equipment performance. She applies a multidisciplinary approach using experimental and computational methods, including surrogate modeling, image processing, and biomechanical analysis.

Prior to joining Exponent, Dr. Dávila-Montero was a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow. She investigated injury thresholds for blast-induced traumatic brain injury using synthetic surrogates and in-vivo models, with a focus on gray — white matter interfaces and injury pathways. Her experience also includes evaluation of sport-related concussions, whiplash, and blunt-induced traumatic brain injury utilizing biomechanical evaluations, MRI-based imaging, and advanced material characterization techniques.

She has extensive experience in protective equipment evaluation, including work at the U.S. Department of the Navy's Helmet Systems and Auditory Performance Laboratory. There, she contributed to testing next-generation helmet systems for equipment compatibility, mass properties, windblast resistance, and snag hazards, as well as assessing the performance of custom-fit hearing protection. Additionally, she brings industry experience in mining and materials processing, where she supported machinery design and optimization in compliance with OSHA standards.