Nele Waltering tracks the path of water through nature-based stormwater solutions

In August 2026, Nele Waltering joined the Urban Water Engineering research group at Luleå University of Technology as a PhD candidate. Her research focuses on infiltration and other hydrological processes in nature-based stormwater solutions.

Nature-based solutions, such as bioretention systems and swales, are increasingly being implemented to reduce urban flooding and limit the transport of pollutants to receiving waters. However, knowledge gaps remain regarding how water infiltrates and moves through the soil and filter media within these systems.

By combining field monitoring, experimental studies and modelling, Nele investigates processes including variations in infiltration, preferential flow and system recovery after rainfall. A central method in her research is time-lapse direct current resistivity tomography (DC-ERT), a non-invasive geophysical technique that enables infiltration and interactions between water, soil and vegetation to be monitored over time.

Nele holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering from RWTH Aachen University and a master’s degree from the University of Rostock, specialising in Water Management.