Dr Travis Horton
An environmental geochemist, Travis acknowledges that his interests are 'diverse to an extreme'. From tectonics to animal migration via hydro-geothermal systems, palaeoclimatology and environmental ecology, he specialises in interactions within exotic ecosystems and the ways different regions react to environmental processes.
Travis is happy to be working across traditional subject discipline boundaries. 'I strongly believe that is my greatest strength as a scientist,' he says. 'Trans-disciplinary research requires a tremendous amount of hard work, continuous learning, and a passion for pushing the research envelope.'
Originally from Connecticut, USA, Travis decided to make the move to UC not only for the academic opportunities the job offered, but also for what he saw as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bring his family to New Zealand. When he isn't working, he enjoys playing the mandolin, bass and guitar, going on family outings, hiking and hunting.
The things he enjoys most about working at UC are the students and staff here. 'I have an extremely committed, welcoming and open-minded group of colleagues and an optimistic and capable student body,' he says.
'Geologists are fun, creative, "earthy" people. As much as I enjoy studying how the earth works, I must say I enjoy my students, colleagues and collaborators even more. I am extremely fortunate to truly enjoy both what I do professionally and whom I do it with.'
Travis's approach to teaching is to harness motivated students' inspiration by demonstrating the relevance of the course content.
'I deliberately choose not to teach "to the exam." I dislike ticking boxes. Why focus on the box when life goes on outside it? I believe students learn the most when they are motivated to learn. The challenge, and greatest reward, of teaching is delivering a well-designed curriculum that engages, inspires, and excites learning.'
He adds, 'I hope that my students not only gain valuable knowledge and understanding through my courses, but also the critical thinking skills and applied skills that will carry over into other classrooms and beyond.'
Travis advises anyone considering studying his subject area to think hard about what they want to achieve.
'Environmental geochemistry means different things to different people. It can be accessed from a variety of traditional disciplines (geology, maths, chemistry, biology, engineering), and it is important for students to match their questions, skills, and professional priorities to a course of study that maximises their chances of realising each of these goals.'