Travis Matlock is pursuing an Astronomy major with minors in Planetary Sciences and Physics. Travis chose to minor in PTYS because he has always been fascinated with the objects in our solar system. The PTYS undergraduate courses aligned with his interests and he believes the PTYS minor provides him with a well-rounded, interdisciplinary education. Travis really enjoyed the Asteroids, Comets, and Kuiper Belt Objects (PTYS 416) course with Dr. Dani DellaGiustina. He remembers the assignments imitating real work that a planetary scientist might do. For example, students used a 3D computer model of Eros to count craters and then determine the surface age from the crater size-frequency distribution. The class also spent a night at Catalina Sky Survey and participated in observing activities.

In addition to minor coursework, Travis also has an Arizona NASA Space Grant internship with LPL Research Professor, Dr. Lon Hood, working primarily on modeling the crustal magnetic anomalies on Mars. The models are constructed to reflect data from the magnetometer aboard the Mars MAVEN spacecraft. In addition to these projects, Travis also works as a student software developer with the USA National Phenology Network in the School of Natural Resources and the Environment.

Travis is currently applying for doctoral graduate programs in planetary science (or similar programs). His research interests include planetary surfaces and atmospheric processes and hopes to gain more expertise with geological data.

In his spare time, Travis likes spending time outdoors and exploring the areas around Tucson. He describes himself as “bit of a coffee hobbyist” and also enjoys small craft projects.