Faculty Profile for Dr. Sara Lisa Torres

Biography Section

Biography and Education

Sara Garcia-Torres is a Lecturer at Texas State University, teaching courses in the College of Education for the Curriculum & Instruction department. Previously she served as a NASA Education Specialist at Ames Research Center in the heart of the Silicon Valley in Northern California. Sara worked in public schools for 16 years as a bilingual and inclusion teacher, Gifted & Talented Facilitator, and as a STEM coordinator. She has over 140 hours of science training through the University of Texas Hands on Regional Collaborative, in addition to 96 hours of science training through the Texas Natural Science Center. For the last five years, Sara has worked with educators, families, and community members to support STEM efforts in public schools, homes, and communities. She has been awarded several local grants and recognitions. Among them, a grant for utilizing green spaces at public elementary schools to begin a science outdoor classroom. Sara was recognized by her peers earning a Teacher of the Year award and receiving a national White House Initiative on Educational recognition. Her research interests include STEM education, both the delivery to underrepresented students (K-20), and culturally relevant preparation of teachers through traditional and non-traditional methods. Sara holds degrees from Texas State University (PhD, MEd), and University of Texas at San Antonio (BA).

Teaching Interests

Early Childhood Play
STEM

Research Interests

Research interests include STEM education, both the delivery to underrepresented and underserved students (K-20) and building communities.