Torrance C Hanley, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Office Location
Biology
Science Ctr of Academic Bldg 234H
Degrees & Certifications
- Ph.D., Yale University, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, New Haven, CT
- BA, Cornell University, Biological Sciences and English, Ithaca, NY
Research Interests & Grants
Dr. Hanley’s research interests include community ecology, conservation biology, eco-evolutionary dynamics, molecular ecology, restoration ecology, and social-ecological systems. She is exploring these topics using a combination of field surveys, field and laboratory experiments, and molecular techniques for a variety of species and systems. Current and recent research includes (see Dr. Hanley’s website for most updated list of projects and research opportunities):
Research/Project
- How oyster intraspecific variation (genetic diversity, source identity, phenotypic variation) affects population dynamics, community interactions, and ecosystem functions on oyster reefs at different scales, and in turn, how this can inform best practices for restoration design and oyster aquaculture
Externally Funded Grants
- 2022-2024 T.C. Hanley, L.A. Fernandez, J.H. Grabowski, A.R. Hughes, D.L. Kimbro. Determining How Aquaculture Grow-Out Methods Can Reduce the Negative Effects of Parasites and Micropollutants. Woods Hole Sea Grant, $197,507
Research/Project
- How the interplay of genetic and environmental factors across life history stages (seed, seedling, adult) of the seagrass Zostera marina reinforces trait variation and/or contributes to genetic differentiation across depths, with the goal of predicting how microgeographic adaptation may affect the health and stability of seagrass meadows given rising sea levels
Externally Funded Grants
- 2023-2024 T.C. Hanley, L. Aoki, J. Gaeckle, A. Helms, R. Mueller, F. Tomas Nash, J. Vaudrey, S. Wyllie-Echeverria, S. Yang. Communication and assessment of seagrass seed-based restoration techniques. NOAA National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) Science Collaborative, $77,845
- 2019-2024 C.G. Hays, A.R. Hughes, T.C. Hanley, E.E. Sotka. RUI: Collaborative Research: Trait differentiation and local adaptation to depth within meadows of the foundation seagrass Zostera marina. National Science Foundation, $335,740
Research/Project
- How intraspecific variation of the salt marsh foundation species Spartina alterniflora affects plant-microbial and plant-fungal interactions, with the goal of informing salt marsh management practices and restoration techniques
View Publications