Laura G. Torres, Ph.D.
Helping individuals and organizations turn complex data into stories of power has been the focus of my career for nearly 15 years.
Throughout my career as an educator, researcher and evaluator in the higher education, nonprofit and philanthropy sectors, I have learned that clarity and collaboration are two critical components to effectively translating research for public consumption. First, you must speak to what matters most to your audience with transparency, and second, you can’t do it alone.
Over the years, I have had the privilege of working closely with researchers and decision-makers from across the country to understand the stories behind the data and develop meaningful narratives for diverse audiences. In addition, my background in educational psychology and mixed-methods research gives me a unique perspective for effectively communicating research that bridges cognitive science of human learning with rigorous data analytics, maximizing clarity, integrity and impact.
Education
Ph.D., Educational Psychology. The University of Texas at Austin (May 2012)
M.A., Program Evaluation. The University of Texas at Austin (May 2011)
B.S., Applied Learning and Development, PreK-6th Teacher Certification. The University of Texas at Austin (May 2008)
Certificates
Institute for the Future – Foresight and Forecasting Essentials
Harvard Strategic Data Project – Leadership in Analytics
Evergreen Data Visualization Academy
Research Communication - Data visualization work showcased on PBS Austin InSight
Texas Public School Enrollment Trends & Special Education Analysis
I had the privilege of working with researchers at The University of Texas at Austin to design the Texas Special Education Report, which was featured in a series on PBS Austin InSight about education enrollment trends in Austin ISD.
Selected Research and Data Visualization Projects
K-12 to Postsecondary Mathematics Pathways Dashboard – Led development of an interactive PowerBI dashboard visualizing national student progression from K-12 through postsecondary mathematics, integrating multi-state longitudinal data to support system-level analysis.
2025-2026
Gates Foundation
Texas Principal & Superintendent Workforce Trends – Worked with researchers to develop reports and data visualizations examining Principal and Superintendent workforce trends.
2023-2024
The University of Texas at Austin
Texas Public School Enrollment Trends & Special Education Analysis — Worked with researchers to design data visualizations and narrative for the Texas Special Education Report featured in PBS Austin InSight
Developed data visualizations analyzing statewide enrollment patterns and special education patterns for the Texas Charter Growth and Special Education: Insights from Major Cities and Large CMOs report, featured in the Houston Chronicle.
2024-2025
The University of Texas at Austin
Beyond the Tipping Point: The Rise of Uncertified Teachers in Texas — Worked with researchers and communications team to develop policy brief on teacher certification trends in Texas. Led qualitative research components and translated findings into public-facing research report, visualizations, presentations, and policy recommendations.
Provided testimony to the Texas House Committee on Public Education on educator workforce research.
88th Legislature, Texas House of Representatives. Committee on Public Education Testimony (August 2024). Research on uncertified teachers in Texas. (see video here)
2024
The University of Texas at Austin
The Teacher Tipping Point: Developing and Sustaining the Texas Educator Workforce — Worked with researchers and communications team to develop policy brief on teacher certification pathways in Texas. Translated findings into public-facing research report, visualizations, presentations, and policy recommendations.
2022
The University of Texas at Austin
Work With Me
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Work with me to develop a research communication plan, including identifying your audience, clarifying the data and takeaway messages, choosing the most effective and accurate charts and graphics, adding context and credibility to refine your data story for maximum impact.
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I provide 60 minute to multi-day workshops to faculty, staff, students, and/or teams on effective research communication and data visualization strategies.
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I enjoy speaking about topics related to research communication, data visualization, program evaluation, and/or educational issues around human learning, motivation and engagement.