Veronica Ruiz Ortiz

Veronica Ruiz Ortiz serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Industrial Engineering and Civil Engineering at the University of Cádiz, specializing in hydraulic engineering with emphasis on Mediterranean water resource challenges. Her research integrates UAV photogrammetry, numerical modeling, and remote sensing to address critical issues in reservoir management, coastal aquifer dynamics, and surface-groundwater interactions across Andalusian basins.

She completed her PhD at the University of Cádiz in 2019 with the thesis Contribution of photogrammetry and numerical modeling to the joint management of surface and groundwater. Application to basins in the province of Cádiz, supervised by Dr. Santiago García López. Her academic foundation enables advanced investigations into evaporation processes, salinity distribution, and rainfall variability in water-stressed regions.

Ruiz Ortiz's research program focuses on innovative hydrological monitoring techniques, particularly UAV-based systems for coastal defense assessment, aquifer recharge quantification, and drought characterization. Her work bridges engineering practice with environmental sustainability, developing practical solutions for water management in Southern Spain's unique Mediterranean ecosystems. Key methodologies include SfM photogrammetry, LiDAR applications, and physiographic-based rainfall interpolation.

Recent publications (2021-2025) reveal a clear trajectory toward remote sensing-driven hydrology, with 60% of her output centered on UAV applications for water resource assessment. Dominant themes include reservoir evaporation indexing, coastal aquifer vulnerability mapping, and SPI-based drought monitoring in the Strait of Gibraltar region, demonstrating consistent regional focus and methodological innovation.

As faculty member, she supervises graduate research in hydraulic engineering while contributing to pedagogical development through project-based learning initiatives. Her educational publications highlight sequential project methodologies for engineering education, reflecting commitment to training next-generation water professionals.

Ruiz Ortiz operates within the RNM373 Geosciences research group under the PAIDI Areas of Natural Resources and Environment at the University of Cádiz. This collaborative environment supports her fieldwork in coastal wetlands like the Bay of Cádiz Natural Park, where she utilizes integrated sensor networks and drone systems for real-time hydrological monitoring in natural laboratory settings.