Legna Torres-García

Bio

Dr. Legna Torres Garcia joined the U.S. Geological Survey’s St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center as a research oceanographer in 2020. Her work focuses on using multi-scale observational and numerical model data to understand the role of ocean circulation, waves, and sediment transport on coastal change. Her research includes simulations of hydrodynamics and coastal change in Puerto Rico and the Florida Keys. In addition, she leads an effort on a project to assess the coastal vulnerability of communities in Puerto Rico through a focused participatory engagement approach. Her focus on both numerical model development and participatory engagement enables her to address community needs with the best available science. Legna received her bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, two master’s degrees from the University of South Carolina in physics and oceanography, and a Ph.D., sponsored by the U.S. Geological Survey, from The University of Florida in coastal and oceanographic engineering.