Travis Hales

Travis Hales, PhD, serves as Associate Professor and MSW Director at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte's School of Social Work, leading research on substance use disorders, trauma-informed organizational systems, and clinician well-being within behavioral healthcare settings.

Education:

• B.A. in English and Philosophy from SUNY Fredonia (2012)
• M.S.W. from University at Buffalo (2014)
• Ph.D. in Social Welfare from University at Buffalo (2018)

His research program develops systemic therapeutic interventions for addiction treatment while examining trauma-informed care implementation through organizational climate metrics. Key investigations focus on burnout risk factors among opioid crisis responders and evidence-building for trauma-responsive service environments, directly informing his NIH/NIDA-funded studies.

Publication analysis reveals consistent methodological innovation in measuring trauma-informed systems, with structural equation modeling and scale development (notably the TICS-10) bridging clinical practice and organizational theory across healthcare and child welfare contexts.

Scientific Awards:

• Buffalo Center for Social Research’s Excellence in Research Award
• Andrew J. Laughlin Memorial Award
• School of Social Work Alumni Association Award
• Niles Carpenter Award

As Principal Investigator, he directs the 'Opioid and Drug-Related Deaths Impact Study' and 'Child-Development Community-Policing Program Evaluation', while co-leading the Mecklenburg Opioid Systemic Response Plan. His community-engaged work spans partnerships with Broome County's Addiction Center, Mecklenburg County Criminal Justice Services, and the Supportive Housing Innovative Project (SHIP), reflecting deep integration with public health and justice systems.

He maintains active affiliations with the University at Buffalo’s Institute on Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care and the Academy of Population Health Innovations, contributing to national discourse through peer review for top social work journals.