PhD Candidate in Geomatic Engineering | STEM Researcher Alejadra Benavides Ocampo

From Ecuador to international scientific and academic environments, Karla Alejandra Benavides Ocampo has built a distinguished career driven by innovation, leadership in STEM, and a strong commitment to communities and sustainable territorial development. Her professional journey stands at the intersection of science, geospatial technology, disaster risk management, and social impact.

She is currently a PhD candidate in Geomatic Engineering at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, where her research focuses on geospatial multi-hazard analysis of heritage buildings in Guaranda, Ecuador, using a community-based approach. Her international academic background also includes a Master’s degree in Geographic Information Science and Systems from the Universidad de Salzburgo. In addition, she earned two engineering degrees from the Universidad Estatal de Bolívar: Computer Systems Engineering and Disaster Management and Risk Reduction Engineering.

Throughout her career, she has contributed to scientific, technological, and community-engagement projects related to cultural heritage preservation, disaster risk reduction, and territorial analysis through geospatial technologies. She has collaborated as a researcher at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito and Universidad Tecnológica Equinoccial, participating in scientific publications, academic conferences, interdisciplinary research initiatives, and peer review processes for scientific journals.

Her professional profile combines scientific research, technological expertise, and strategic thinking, with experience in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), drone technologies, spatial analysis, programming for GIS applications, territorial planning, and scientific communication. She has also worked as a trainer and educator in STEM and technology-related fields, promoting knowledge transfer and professional capacity building.

Her academic excellence and leadership have been recognized through several national and international distinctions and scholarships, including the “Best Professional or Academic Work” award granted by UNIGIS Latin America. She is also an active member of international networks that promote women’s participation in science, technology, and innovation, strengthening her role as an advocate for female leadership in STEM disciplines.

Driven by a vision of science with social impact, Karla Alejandra Benavides Ocampo continues to promote research and innovation projects that connect technology, sustainability, and community development, contributing to solutions for today’s environmental and territorial challenges.