Coral reef in Tres Palmas Marine Reserve at Steps Beach, Rincón, Puerto Rico.
Legna M Torres-García, Ph.D.
Legna M. Torres-García is a Research Oceanographer at the St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Legna Torres García's work focuses on using multi-scale observational and numerical model data to understand circulation, waves, sediment transport, and coastal vulnerability. Her research includes simulations of hydrodynamics and coastal change in Puerto Rico and the Florida Keys. In addition, she is a principal investigator on a project on assessing the coastal vulnerability of communities in Puerto Rico through a focused stakeholder engagement approach. Her focus on both numerical model development and stakeholder engagement enables her to address community needs with the best available science.
Professional Experience
Research Oceanographer, U.S. Geological Survey, St. Petersburg Coastal & Marine Geology Science Center, 2022 to present
Postdoctoral Research Oceanographer, U.S. Geological Survey, St. Petersburg Coastal & Marine Geology Science Center, 2020 to 2022
Scientist, U.S. Geological Survey, St. Petersburg Coastal & Marine Geology Science Center, 2014 to 2016
Teaching Assistant, University of South Carolina, Geology Laboratory Coordinator
Education and Certifications
Ph.D., (2020), University of Florida, Major in Oceanographic and Coastal Engineering, Dissertation: Hydrodynamics and sediment mobility in degraded barrier coral reefs
M.S., (2014), University of South Carolina, Major in Geology; Earth and Ocean Sciences Department, Thesis: Flow Dynamics in the Transition Zone from Estuarine Tidal to Fluvial Regime
M.S., (2009), University of South Carolina, Major in Physics, Physics and Astronomy Department, Thesis: Search for Interstellar Silicate Dust in Four Quasar Absorber Galaxies
B.S., (2006), University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez, Major in Physics, Physics Department
Science and Products
Coral reef in Tres Palmas Marine Reserve at Steps Beach, Rincón, Puerto Rico.
Buildings destroyed during Hurricane Maria in Rincón, Puerto Rico. Photograph taken on August 28, 2021, almost four years after the hurricane.
Buildings destroyed during Hurricane Maria in Rincón, Puerto Rico. Photograph taken on August 28, 2021, almost four years after the hurricane.
Dr. Legna Torres-García is a Research Oceanographer at the St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Dr. Legna Torres-García is a Research Oceanographer at the St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Science and Products
Coral reef in Tres Palmas Marine Reserve at Steps Beach, Rincón, Puerto Rico.
Coral reef in Tres Palmas Marine Reserve at Steps Beach, Rincón, Puerto Rico.
Buildings destroyed during Hurricane Maria in Rincón, Puerto Rico. Photograph taken on August 28, 2021, almost four years after the hurricane.
Buildings destroyed during Hurricane Maria in Rincón, Puerto Rico. Photograph taken on August 28, 2021, almost four years after the hurricane.
Dr. Legna Torres-García is a Research Oceanographer at the St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Dr. Legna Torres-García is a Research Oceanographer at the St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center in St. Petersburg, Florida.