Charles Travis

Dr. Charles Travis is a Visiting Research Fellow at Trinity College Dublin’s School of Histories and Humanities and Associate Professor of Geography & GIS at the University of Texas, Arlington. His work bridges historical geography, digital humanities, and GIScience, focusing on literary and cultural geographies, environmental history, and spatial narratives.

• PhD in Geography, Trinity College Dublin (2006)
• MA in Geography & Planning, University of Toledo (1999)
• MA in Mass Communication, Bowling Green State University (1991)
• BA in Psychology, University of Toledo (1989)

His research explores the digital and environmental humanities, using GIS to analyze literary texts, historical narratives, and maritime history. He has pioneered work in Humanities GIS, literary cartography, and deep mapping, particularly in early 20th-century Ireland and the American frontier. His recent projects include the ERC 4-Oceans Atlas and NorFish, examining oceanic histories and climate change impacts.

The 15 most recent publications reflect a strong trend in interdisciplinary environmental history, combining GIS, literary analysis, and historical cartography. Themes include the weaponization of environment, spatial narratives in literature, Soviet industrialization, and maritime pasts. His work frequently appears in journals such as Historical Geography, International Journal of Humanities and Arts Computing, and Eurasian Geography and Economics.

Scientific awards and honors include:

• Master’s Level Student Paper Award, AAG Cultural Geography Specialty Group (2002)
• Postdoctoral Fellowship in Digital Humanities, TCD (2008–2010)
• Broad Curriculum Scholarship, TCD (2005–2006)
• MA Tuitionship in Geography, University of Toledo (1997–1998)

Dr. Travis has served on editorial boards for Literary Geographies, Geographies of the Anthropocene, and Historical Geography and the Geosciences. He has advised students and collaborated extensively on transdisciplinary projects involving digital storytelling, smart cities, and climate resilience. His work in teaching geography with geospatial technologies and STEAM education highlights his commitment to pedagogical innovation.

He leads and contributes to research teams such as the Trinity Centre for Environmental Humanities and the NorFish project, focusing on digital environmental humanities, historical GIS, and interdisciplinary approaches to climate and cultural change.