He studies the interaction of ecology, physiology, and behavior of birds and amphibians. His current research uses local Illinois species, such as the Northern Cardinal, Black-capped Chickadee, and Eastern Bluebird. Travis is originally from Lewistown, Illinois, and is a Eureka College graduate. He and his wife, Jessa now reside in Pana, Illinois. Travis enjoys cooking, birdwatching, wildlife photography, fishing and hiking as well as reading science fiction novels, playing basketball and always supporting the Chicago Cubs.