Torrance C. Hanley, Ph.D. is Assistant Professor in the Biology department at Sacred Heart University. She is a passionate and experienced teacher and researcher. Prior to SHU, Dr. Hanley was an Associate Research Scientist at Northeastern University Marine Science Center and the Metro Boston Regional Coordinator for MassBays National Estuary Partnershiip. She has worked with local, regional, and state agencies to develop and design programs to help bridge the gap between basic and applied science.

Much of Dr. Hanley's research focuses on the evolutionary dynamics, molecular ecology and social ecological systems of oysters, salt marshes, and seagrass. She is published in such peer reviewed journals as, Molecular Ecology Notes, Ecology, Ecology and Evolution, and Functional Ecology. She is currently working on three grant funded research projects.

Dr. Hanley completed a Ph.D in ecology and evolutionary biology from Yale University and B.A. in ecology and evolutionary biology from Cornell University.